VATICAN CITY (AFP) - Pope Benedict XVI is reportedly expected to convene a meeting soon to discuss the Roman Catholic church's strategy in China.The meeting is to focus on China's strained relations with the Holy See after Beijing consecrated several bishops last year without papal approval, a move seen as "unlawful" by
Pope Benedict.
Pope Benedict.
A spokesman for Hong Kong Cardinal Joseph Zen last week said that the Catholic leader planned to attend the meeting.
China's state-sanctioned church, which does not answer to the pope, has about four million worshippers, official figures show. The Vatican estimates the country's underground Catholic church has around 10 million followers.
Beijing in 1951 cut diplomatic ties with the Vatican, which has since recognised Taiwan, regarded by China as part of its territory awaiting reunification.
China had insisted that to re-establish ties, the Vatican must sever ties with Taiwan and not interfere in its internal affairs.