Pope says China suffocating the church

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Benedict XVI yesterday called on China to lift restrictions on religious freedom that "suffocate" the church and sow divisions among Catholics.

But the pope also called for greater dialogue with the officially atheist state, writing in a 55-page open letter that he sought to restore full diplomatic ties with Beijing that were severed two years after the 1949 communist takeover.

Writing to China's bishops, priests, and faithful, the pope lamented that millions of Catholics in China were still forced to worship under a state-controlled church that refuses to recognize his authority.

Millions of others worship in "underground" churches loyal to the pope, and Benedict said the divisions had weakened the church in China.

"It is true that in recent years the church has enjoyed greater religious freedom than in the past," the pope said.

"Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that grave limitations remain that touch the heart of the faith and that, to a certain degree, suffocate pastoral activity."

China's foreign ministry responded with a short statement saying it was willing to continue "frank, constructive dialogue with the Vatican." But Beijing also said the Vatican must not interfere in China's internal affairs by "using religion as a pretext."

Tensions have repeatedly flared over the appointment of bishops. China refuses to allow the Vatican to appoint them, saying this would amount to meddling in domestic matters.

The pope yesterday said his ability to appoint bishops is a fundamental part of the ability to fully "exercise . . . the right of religious freedom."

He said all but "a very small number" of the bishops in China had sought the pope's blessing. Many, he said, had secretly received a "clandestine consecration."

China foreign ministry also called on the Vatican to sever ties with Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province. "We hope that the Vatican will show real initiatives and it must not again lay down fresh obstacles," ministry spokesman Qin Gang said.

The pope did not address Taiwan. The Vatican said in an accompanying note it was ready to transfer its embassy from Taiwan to China "at any time" in the event of a deal with Beijing, but it did not offer to sever ties.

The Vatican said previously it wants to keep some kind of relations with Taipei even if it reopens its embassy in Beijing.