Gianni Criveller *

Fr. Gianni Criveller, PIME missionary and sinologist, comments on the words addressed by the pope yesterday to the Chinese people from Mongolia, with Card. Tong and Cardinal-designate Chow. "There is no contradiction between being good Christians and good citizens when there is freedom. Now it is up to Beijing to follow up with concrete steps on issues such as the permanent form of dialogue urged by Card. Parolin or the peace mission of Card. Zuppi."

For Father Criveller, PIME missionary and China expert, by appointing Shen Bin as bishop of Shanghai, the pope shows that he cares for the people of God and we are with him. But Card Parolin’s interview clearly indicates that the Holy See is disappointed by the situation. It is hard to imagine that Chinese authorities, who are bent on nationalising religions, would stop acting unilaterally.

In mainland China, Catholic communities have expressed joy at Pope Francis’s choice. For PIME missionary and China expert Fr Gianni Criveller, this is a sign of the pope’s closeness to the suffering caused by China’s national security law. With Zen and John Tong (respectively in their nineties and eighties), Hong Kong will now have three cardinals.

Fr. Gianni Criveller remembers the Chinese academic who died in Beijing. "The son of militants who had done the Long March with Mao, he was proud of his studies at the Catholic University of Milan. He collaborated in the Cause for the beatification of Matteo Ricci. A man who symbolised a season of China's great openness towards faiths, now drastically reduced'.

No vigil in Victoria Park or even suffrage Masses for the victims of the Beijing crackdown 34 years ago. The authorities threaten an iron fist against 'acts that endanger national security'. Along with political freedom in Hong Kong, the hope and joy of the people has also been abrogated. The meeting in prison with Lee Cheuk-yan, who for years has been the soul of the commemorations: even behind bars he remains a free and strong man.

Fr Gianni Criveller, PIME missionary and sinologist, talks about the climate he found in Hong Kong, torn by years of pandemic and repression of the pro-democracy movement. Card Zen baptised Albert Ho, and met in prison with Lee Cheuk-yan and the latest detainees. Bishop Chow's positive visit to Beijing brings hope for the future.

Reports from Shanghai after Beijing’s unilateral appointment indicate a tense climate. Whether wilfully or not, Bishop Shen plays a political role in a context in which the authorities rule every aspect of life in China. The very mystery we celebrate tells us, however, that suffering, opposition and even death are not the last word.

Elevate to the cardinalate by Pope Benedict XVI, the Bishop Emeritus of Hong Kong, Mgr Joseph Zen, will be in Rome for the funeral after his passport was momentarily returned. For Fr Gianni Criveller, PIME missionary and sinologist, the 2007 Letter to Chinese Catholics was a “small masterpiece of lucidity, balance and tactfulness” about the Church in China, but Chinese authorities have opposed it, challenged it and persecuted people for it. After 15 years, “unity for the Church in China expressed by Benedict XVI is still elusive.”

On December 29, 1922, the first apostolic delegate landed in the Chinese capital. The anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the legacy bequeathed to Chinese Catholicism in terms of inculturation and promotion of a Church with an authentically Chinese face.

The pontiff signed the decree recognising Ricci’s heroic virtues, the first stage in a process of beatification that has had a troubled history. Ricci brought the Gospel to China through the path of friendship. The communities he founded have preserved and passed on the faith, despite persecution and all sorts of hardships. Now it is possible to dream that he will become a Blessed together with his Chinese disciple and friend Xu Guangqi.

A conference was held today in Rome marking the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Holy See. “Historical circumstances have forced Taiwan and the Holy See to walk together for many years. Taiwan cannot be regarded as a mere historical legacy that we can get rid of,” said Fr Gianni Criveller (PIME) in his address.

Xi Jinping arrived in the former British colony to show that normalization has become a top priority. On July 1, 1997, Martin Lee and Margaret Ng from the balcony of Parliament were calling for freedom and democracy, while today they are reckoning with the consequences of the National Security Act. And Hong Kong is increasingly becoming a sad, depressed and fearful city.