The pontificate of Pope Francis has ushered in a new era of dialogue between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China. Despite complex relations since the arrival of Christianity over one thousand years ago, the recent provisional agreement between China and the Holy See presents an opportunity for a new departure.
On March 25, 2019, at the Villa Malta in Rome, Fr. Antonio Spadaro, S.J., editor of La Civiltà Cattolica, moderated a discussion of these themes explored in his new book, The Church in China. Participants included Mgr. Claudio Maria Celli, President Emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, and Fr. Arturo Sosa, S.J., Superior General of the Society of Jesus. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte provided closing remarks.
This event, co-sponsored by the China Forum for Civilizational Dialogue, took place right after Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Rome.
Read the introduction by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.