At the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, the Pope spoke of the need to defend religious freedom. That is why he was asked about his thoughts on the situation in China, where a cardinal will be tried for allegedly working with foreign forces to organize a fund to help members of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement.
To qualify China as democratic or antidemocratic, I am non convinced, because it's such a complex country with a complex rhythm. Yes, it is true that there are things that seem undemocratic to us, that is true. Cardinal Zen is going to trial these days, I believe, and he says what he feels, and you can see that there are limitations there. But more than qualifying, because it is difficult, and I do wish to qualify, they are impressions, more than qualify I try to support the path of dialogue, then in dialogue many things are cleared up.
