Pope will strengthen links with China, say experts

Pope Francis, a member of a religious society that has strong historic links with China, is expected to play a more positive role in improving relations between the country and the Vatican, according to experts.

The pope wrapped up his five-day trip to South Korea on Monday, and said as his plane passed through Chinese airspace underway to Rome that he wants to visit China.

"You ask me if I want to go to China? Certainly, even tomorrow," he told reporters on the papal plane, AFP reported.

He sent a telegram to President Xi Jinping while flying over the country, saying, "Returning to Rome after my visit to Korea, I wish to renew to your Excellency and your fellow citizens the assurance of my best wishes, as I invoke divine blessings upon your land."

He also said the Vatican is "always open to contact" and that he has a "high regard" for the Chinese people.

The pope sent Xi a similar message after entering Chinese airspace on his flight to South Korea on Thursday. He is the first pope to fly over China.

China respects and protects its citizens' freedom of religious belief and says believers can play a more active role in promoting economic and social development, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.

"In accordance with its history and tradition, the Chinese Catholic Church conducts activities based on the principles of independence and is developing soundly," he added.

Hua said China has always been sincere about improving ties with the Vatican and has been making positive efforts to do so.

"China will work with the Vatican on constructive dialogue and promote the improvement of bilateral relations," she said.

Zhuo Xinping, director of the Institute of World Religions at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said Pope Francis has been active in improving the Vatican's ties with China since he was elected in March 2013.

The pope, who was born in Argentina in 1936, is a friend of developing economies and has special feelings for their people due to his Latin American origins, Zhuo said.

"He is a member of the Society of Jesus, which has a long-time tradition of links with China. Matteo Ricci, a member of the society, visited China several hundred years ago," Zhuo said, adding that China and the society know each other well.

Zhuo said he believes Pope Francis could play a more active role in promoting the Vatican's relationship with China.

Zhao Shengnan contributed to this story.

Contact the writer at houliqiang@chinadaily.com.cn