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Pope Francis offers prayers for 'noble, courageous' Chinese peopleRelations with communist China have historically been fraught, but Francis has made it a priority to normalise them, building on a landmark 2018 pact on appointing bishops.
Reuters
Last Updated IST
<div class="paragraphs"><p>Pope Francis speaks during the weekly general audience at Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican.</p></div>

Pope Francis speaks during the weekly general audience at Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican.

Credit: Reuters Photo 

Pope Francis on Wednesday called for prayers for the Chinese people, in unscripted remarks coming amid the Vatican's desire to upgrade its relations with Beijing.

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Relations with communist China have historically been fraught, but Francis has made it a priority to normalise them, building on a landmark 2018 pact on appointing bishops.

"This also makes me think about the beloved Chinese people: let us always pray for this noble and very courageous people who have such a beautiful culture," the pope said.

Francis spoke during his weekly audience in St Peter's Square, adding to pre-written remarks as he greeted an association that honours a late Vatican envoy to Beijing.

The Vatican's overtures to China are controversial, as critics see them as a form of appeasement towards a country accused of trampling on religious freedom and human rights.

Beijing has been following a policy of "Sinicisation" of religion, trying to root out foreign influences and enforce obedience to the Communist Party.

There are an estimated 10 to 12 million Catholics in China.

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(Published 19 June 2024, 16:19 IST)