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**IoninnyHaro** · 02-22-2008, 07:27 PM

From The Sunday Times

February 17, 2008
China repents and seeks to woo Pope

Michael Sheridan, Far East Correspondent and John Follain

TEMPTED by the prize of a historic visit to China by Pope Benedict XVI, the nation’s leaders have authorised a renewed effort in confidential discussions with the Vatican to heal their rift and inaugurate diplomatic ties.

The talks have intensified over recent months, leading some diplomatic observers in Beijing to believe the Chinese may be seeking to announce a deal before the Olympic Games in August.

Liu Bainian, the de facto head of Beijing’s official Patriotic Church, has said on several occasions that he would like to welcome the Pope to China once an agreement has been reached.

While the Vatican says it has received no formal invitation, observers say Liu’s words would have been uttered only with approval from the highest levels.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/new...cle3382290.ece

02-22-2008, 07:27 PM	#22
IoninnyHaro Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 377 Senior Member	From The Sunday Times February 17, 2008 China repents and seeks to woo Pope Michael Sheridan, Far East Correspondent and John Follain TEMPTED by the prize of a historic visit to China by Pope Benedict XVI, the nation’s leaders have authorised a renewed effort in confidential discussions with the Vatican to heal their rift and inaugurate diplomatic ties. The talks have intensified over recent months, leading some diplomatic observers in Beijing to believe the Chinese may be seeking to announce a deal before the Olympic Games in August. Liu Bainian, the de facto head of Beijing’s official Patriotic Church, has said on several occasions that he would like to welcome the Pope to China once an agreement has been reached. While the Vatican says it has received no formal invitation, observers say Liu’s words would have been uttered only with approval from the highest levels. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/new...cle3382290.ece
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