Il Papa has called a special meeting of top Church officials to discuss the situation facing the Catholic Church in China. The 2-day meeting, to take place at the Vatican January 19 and 20, will be chaired by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Secretary of State. The participants are expected to include both leading Vatican officials and Asian prelates including Cardinals Joseph Zen of Hong Kong and Paul Shan, the retired Bishop of Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Because of severe restrictions imposed by the government, no bishops from mainland China are expected to attend. The discussions will be confidential