This was Pope Francis' response when asked about the ongoing relationship between China and the Vatican:
POPE FRANCIS
The relationship with China is very respectful, very respectful. I personally have a great admiration for the Chinese people, they are very open.
Although Chinese authorities reportedly did not allow mainland bishops to travel to Mongolia for the Pope's trip, the Pope spoke hopefully about the relationship during the press conference on his flight back from Mongolia. He was also asked about Cardinal Zuppi's peace mission and his potential trip to Beijing.
POPE FRANCIS
Cardinal Zuppi's mission is a peace mission that I assigned. And he made a plan to visit Moscow, Kyiv, the United States and also Beijing. Cardinal Zuppi is a man of great dialogue and universal vision, he has in his history the experience of the work done in Mozambique in the search for peace and that is why I sent him.
While Cardinal Zuppi's trip to Beijing has yet to be officially announced, the Pope confirmed that relations between the Vatican and China are progressing.
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