China has two Catholic hierarchies, the government-authorized church, set up by Mao to control the church, and an underground church of bishops and other priests loyal to Rome.The government church contended that it acted to fill shortages and not to slight the Vatican or the Pope.
But the Vatican's statement claimed that bishops and priests were under "strong pressure and threats" from "organisms outside the church... unless they would take part in the Episcopal ordination." It said further that the Vatican "follows with particular attention the tormented march of the Catholic Church in China," noting that it had hoped that "similar deplorable episodes would at this point be consigned to the past."
Dear Freepers in Christ,
I for one am extremely happy and overjoyed as well that at last The Vatican has acted strongly and taken action as needed.
This needed to be done the day after the Episcopal Ordinations by the Patriotic Association in China.
God Bless Pope Benedict, The XVI.
OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY, BLESS AND PROTECT HIM IN HIS PASTORAL MINISTRY