Two key questions are raised by the evolving relationship between China and the Holy See, a relationship both sides would apparently like to become warmer. The goal has to be full recognition of one by the other, allowing the world’s largest nation to takes its normal place in the international community on good terms with the world’s largest non-government institution. This normalisation is being vigorously pursued by Xi Jinping, who has just secured his place as China’s unchallenged leader by having his name and “thought” – which Catholics would look at as his “teachings” – written into the Chinese Constitution.