Meeting sign of warmer relations with Beijing

The first public meeting between a Pope and a bishop from mainland China took place this month, in another move indicating warmer Sino-Vatican relations, writes Christopher Lamb.

On 5 October, Francis saw Bishop Joseph Xu Honggen of Suzhou after a Wednesday General Audience in St Peter’s Square.

The bishop had brought with him a group of pilgrims. The meeting between the Pope and Bishop Xu, who is approved by the Vatican and Beijing, is important given that the appointment of bishops is one of the major points of contention in talks between the Holy See and China.

For decades the Holy See has been seeking to re-establish diplomatic relations with Beijing, with progress being made under Francis.