The new leader of Hong Kong's Catholic Church said on Friday that he was optimistic China will grant greater religious freedom, as he vowed to promote links between Beijing and the Vatican.
'I believe there will be further and wider development and opening in the future,' Cardinal John Tong told reporters in his first media conference after taking over from his outspoken predecessor, Mr Joseph Zen.
'This is the reason why I am optimistic about the situation of the churches in China,' the new head of the Chinese territory's 363,000 Catholics added.
The 72-year-old was among 22 new cardinals officially appointed by Pope Benedict XVI on February 18.