The provisional agreement between Beijing and the Holy See allowing the Vatican to appoint bishops in the country is expected to be renewed this month.
The two countries do not share diplomatic relations, instead the Holy See maintains full diplomatic relations with Taiwan—a relationship that celebrated its 80th anniversary this year in Rome.
Taiwan's ambassador to the Vatican says that the Vatican's agreement with China is important for the country's Catholics.
MATTHEW LEE
Taiwanese Ambassador to the Holy See
There is an important purpose for the Holy See to have the agreement with communist China, PRC, not only for the appointment of bishops, but also like Cardinal Parolin said, the Holy See hopes they can make Catholics in China lead a normal, faithful life.
In an interview with Reuters in July, Pope Francis expressed his hope that the agreement with China would be renewed, though he noted that dialogue between the two countries is developing slowly during his return flight from Kazakhstan.
POPE FRANCIS
It is not easy to understand the Chinese mentality, but it should be respected, I always respect this. Here in the Vatican, there is a dialogue commission that is going well.
It is a slow process, but steps forward are always being made.
MATTHEW LEE
Taiwanese Ambassador to the Holy See
The Holy See always supports religious freedom. I think you may notice that the Holy Father's words about communist China has been changed a little bit. Last September, he said China is not easy.
During the Pope's trip to Kazakhstan, the Vatican's Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said that the Holy See's current situation will remain as is when asked if it were willing to close its embassy in Taipei to establish diplomatic relations with China.
JM
