Pope Benedict XVI AP PHOTO

Liu Bainian, the often hard-line vice chairman of the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association, struck a conciliatory tone in the wake of the Vatican's diplomatic foray.

"I hope and believe that the pope's letter will show his love of China's churches," Liu said.

The Jan. 20 Vatican announcement said the Holy See sought a dialogue with the aim of restoring diplomatic relations with Beijing and said Pope Benedict XVI was preparing a message for Chinese Catholics.

The Japan Times Weekly: Jan. 27, 2007
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