Pope Francis's Asia-Pacific tour wasn't just about connecting with believers; it also served as preparation for a historic potential visit to China, a significant step for the Vatican.
The pontiff’s efforts to engage with Beijing highlight the urgency to unify China's Catholics amidst growing fears of a schism due to the Communist Party’s control over ecclesiastical appointments.
With Christian populations set to soar in China by 2030, Francis's outreach illustrates the Church's struggle to secure a footing while navigating Taiwan's diplomatic sensitivities.
China's constitution claims citizens can enjoy religious freedom, yet in practice, all religions must comply with state control, making the environment challenging for Catholicism and other faiths.
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