DECLARATION REGARDING EPISCOPAL ORDINATIONS IN BEIJING

VATICAN CITY, JAN 4, 2000 (VIS) - In reply to questions from journalists regarding the episcopal ordinations by the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association that have been announced in Beijing, Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls today made the following declaration:

"I must express the surprise and disappointment of the Holy See, because this decision has come at a time when, on all sides, voices are being heard that raise authentic hopes of a normalization in relations between the Holy See and Beijing. This gesture places obstacles that will undoubtedly hinder that process."

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