The former bishop of Hong Kong has said he would advise the Pope against visiting China for fear that a papal trip could end up being manipulated by Beijing.
Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun was speaking to the catholic charity, Aid to the Church in Need about persecution of Christians in China, which he said had recently “intensified”.
He added that if asked about a visit by the Pope he would “strongly recommend him not to go, because the current circumstances are not the right ones.”
“The only outcome of such a visit,” the 82-year-old said “will be good people suffering and the Pope’s good will being misused.”
Pope Francis indicated he might visit China during his visit to South Korea in August.
Source: ACNUK