Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beijing (Fides Agency) - “Yi Hui Yi Tuan” - literally “One Association and One Conference,” a formula used to refer to the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association and the “Bishops' Conference of the Catholic Church in China” - has sent a message of condolence to the Vatican on the death of Pope Francis. The news was published by Xinhua (New China News Agency), the official state news agency of the People's Republic of China. The message of condolence is dated Thursday, April 24.
As reported yesterday by Fides Agency (see Fides 24/4/2025), the official website of the Patriotic Association and the so-called “Bishops' Conference of the Catholic Church in China” announced the death of Pope Francis with the following words: “Pope Francis returned to the Father's house at 7:35 a.m. on April 21, 2025, at the Santa Marta residence, at the age of 88. We pray that, thanks to God's mercy, Pope Francis may have eternal bliss in heaven.”
On April 22, Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed his “condolences” for the death of Pope Francis, emphasizing that “In recent years, China and the Vatican have maintained constructive contacts and conducted friendly exchanges.”
At the same time, news about the Pope's death continues to be published on websites, social networks, and all Chinese mass media. Comments and reflections characterized by feelings of esteem and gratitude prevail, especially for the contribution made by the Bishop of Rome to world peace. His love for the Chinese people and Chinese Catholics, which he expressed so many times, is also remembered.
(Fides Agency 25/04/2025)
