May 18, 2011. (Romereports.com) Benedict XVI said during the general audience that “in China, Christ is living out his Passion,” and that although there is an increasing number from this country who open themselves to Christ, there are many others who ignore and persecute them. The pope asked everyone to pray for the Catholic Church in China which is still unable to achieve full union with Rome.

Benedict XVI
“The whole Church joins in prayer with the Church in China. There, as elsewhere, Christ is living out his passion. While the number of those who accept him as their Lord is increasing, there are others who reject Christ, who ignore him or persecute him.”

The pope underlined the difficult situation facing the bishops and priests of China and called on the entire Church to pray for them.

Benedict XVI
“All Catholics throughout the world have a duty to pray for the Church in China: those members of the faithful have a right to our prayers, they need our prayers.”

Benedict XVI recalled that on May 24 prayers will be made especially for the Catholic Church in China. It's the day of the Virgin Mary, the aid to Christians, and who is venerated with great devotion at a shrine in Shanghai.

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