China today expressed its deep condolences over the passing of Pope Francis, the Argentine pontiff who led the Catholic Church for more than a decade.
The statement was delivered by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian during a press conference held this morning in Beijing.
“China extends its sincere condolences on the death of His Holiness Pope Francis,” Lin said.
“The Pope was a figure of significant spiritual and moral influence on a global scale, and he actively promoted dialogue, peace, and international solidarity.”
The message of sympathy comes at a sensitive time in Sino-Vatican relations,
which in recent years have shown signs of cautious rapprochement, despite ongoing tensions.
The provisional agreement between Beijing and the Holy See on the appointment of bishops,
signed in 2018 and subsequently renewed, marked an important step toward improving ties, though notable differences remain.
Lin added that China “recognizes and appreciates the Pope’s efforts to promote a vision of harmony among peoples” and emphasized that “the Chinese people share the sorrow of the Catholic world and the international community at this loss.”
Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and Latin American pontiff, was widely respected for his attention to the poor, his defense of the environment, and his unwavering calls for peace.
Though his figure was received with caution by Beijing, he frequently voiced a desire to visit China— a dream that ultimately remained unfulfilled.
With his passing, the Catholic Church now enters a period of transition, as millions of faithful around the world, including Chinese Catholics, pay tribute to a man who profoundly shaped our times.