Latest news with #Vatican-China
The Journal
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Pope prays for China's Catholics to be in communion with Vatican after defiance of bishop agreement
POPE LEO XIV has asked for prayers for China's Catholics to be in communion with the Vatican, as he made his first public remarks about one of the thorniest foreign policy issues facing his new pontificate. It comes after China openly defied an agreement with the Vatican on the appointment of bishops. Only the pope can ratify a bishop appointment and China 'elected' two bishops in the days following Pope Francis's death when the papal office was empty. In remarks today, the new Pope recalled that on Saturday, the Catholic Church marked a special feast day to pray for the church in China. Pope Benedict XVI had initiated the feast day as part of his efforts to unify China's 12 million Catholics who were divided between an official, state-controlled Church that did not recognise papal authority, and an underground Church that remained loyal to the Vatican through decades of persecution. Leo noted that on the feast day, 'in the churches and shrines in China and throughout the world, prayers have been raised to God as a sign of the solicitude and affection for Chinese Catholics and their communion with the universal church'. Speaking from his studio window during his noon blessing, Leo prayed that Catholics in China and elsewhere 'obtain the grace to be strong and joyful witnesses of the Gospel, even in the midst of trials, to always promote peace and harmony'. Defiance of Vatican-China agreement In 2018, Pope Francis helped broker an agreement between the Vatican and China to find a middle-ground between the underground Catholic Church faithful to the Vatican and the state-controlled Church. In China, the five main religions have government-controlled bodies that manage their affairs – for Catholicism, it's the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association (CCPA). The CCPA in the past appointed bishops in China without Vatican approval. But the colloquially known underground Catholics do not affiliate with the CCPA and instead looks to the Vatican and its own secretly ordained bishops . Chinese authorities have in the past harassed this underground Church and has reportedly detained some of its clergy and closed its churches . While the agreement has not been made public, it includes a framework whereby Chinese authorities put forth names of new bishops that the pope then either approves or disapproves. However, this agreement was violated when China 'elected' two bishops despite the Catholic Church being in the 'sede vacante' period following the death of Francis. When a pope dies or resigns, the Catholic Church enters a period known as sede vacante - Latin for 'the seat being vacant'. Advertisement During this period, the Vatican is unable to ratify any bishop appointments as only the pope has the ability to do this. One of these bishop appointments was particularly striking because the diocese is already led by a Vatican-appointed bishop. The Vatican-approved bishop in this diocese is Bishop Joseph Zhang Weizhu, who was secretly appointed by Pope John Paul II in 1991. He spent decades ministering without Chinese-state approval and has been arrested multiple times. It's reported that Zhang was most recently arrested in 2021 while recovering from cancer surgery and remains in custody without trial. China-Vatican relations The relationship between China and the Vatican has been rocky going back over decades. In 1951, China severed ties with the Vatican and expelled its papal nuncio on 'espionage' charges. The Vatican is also one of only 12 governments – and the only one in Europe – to recognise the State of Taiwan. China claims Taiwan is a province and has vowed to annex it. It's reported that a full reconciliation with the Vatican would involve the Holy See breaking diplomatic ties with Taiwan and allowing China free reign on appointing bishops, something the Vatican will not agree to. Taiwan's president, who met Francis six times, did not attend Francis's funeral or Leo's inauguration and instead sent a former vice-president . This meant Taiwan's president Lai Ching-te missed a rare opportunity to mix with other global leaders. Meanwhile, Cardinal Joseph Zen of Hong Kong previously described the 2018 agreement as an 'incredible betrayal' and accused the Vatican of 'selling out and abandoning the faithful of the underground church in China'. In 2018, he said: 'The consequences will be tragic and long lasting, not only for the Church in China but for the whole Church because it damages the credibility. 'Maybe that's why they might keep the agreement secret.' He added: 'The Holy See encouraged them to persevere and for so many years Popes praised their courage. And now they are being told to surrender.' -With additional reporting from Press Association Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Express Tribune
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pope Leo warns of AI's impact in first meeting with cardinals
Pope Leo XIV makes his first appearance after conclave PHOTO:Anadolu Agency Listen to article Newly elected Pope Leo XIV has called on the Catholic Church to confront the moral and social challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI), in his first formal address to the College of Cardinals. The 68-year-old American-born pontiff, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, was elected earlier this week, becoming the first pope from the United States. In his inaugural speech, Pope Leo emphasised the Church's historic mission to uphold human dignity and social justice, drawing parallels between the modern AI revolution and the industrial upheaval of the late 19th century. 'Pope Leo XIII, with the Encyclical Rerum Novarum, addressed the social question of his time,' Leo XIV said. 'Today, the Church must respond with her social teaching to the transformations brought by artificial intelligence.' The late Pope Francis, who died last month, was an outspoken advocate for regulating AI and ensuring it remains human-centric. Leo XIV paid tribute to Francis's legacy, pledging to continue his vision of a Church committed to ethical leadership in the face of emerging technologies. The pontiff also made a symbolic visit Saturday to the Madonna sanctuary in Genazzano, managed by the Augustinian order, reflecting his personal and spiritual ties. He greeted crowds and offered blessings during the visit. In the same address, cardinals also discussed ongoing concerns about the Church's relationship with China. Czech Cardinal Dominik Duka referenced the sensitive 2018 Vatican-China agreement on bishop appointments, noting the importance of maintaining dialogue. Leo XIV, a former missionary in Peru, assumes the papacy at a time of global technological and geopolitical uncertainty, pledging a renewed focus on justice, peace, and ethical stewardship in the digital age.
Int'l Business Times
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
Gamblers Favour Parolin As Bookies Cash In On Conclave Speculation
AFP The marble halls of the Vatican are fairly buzzing with intrigue. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Church's chief diplomat, has emerged as the man to beat in Catholicism's ultimate power contest – the race to claim the Chair of St Peter. Bookmakers have now installed Parolin as one of four frontrunners to don the white cassock when the time eventually comes, a development being watched with keen interest by Catholics worldwide and Vatican-watchers of every stripe. The Power Behind The Papal Throne At 69, the silver-haired Italian has spent years as Vatican Secretary of State – effectively the Pope's prime minister – quietly building alliances and demonstrating the diplomatic skills that have made him such a formidable presence in ecclesiastical circles. 'Parolin's rather brilliant at being all things to all cardinals,' confided a monsignor. 'He's never openly broken with Francis on progressive reforms, yet somehow reassures traditionalists he won't rock the boat too violently. That's no small feat in today's Church.' His resume is impeccable. From navigating the diplomatic minefield of Vatican-China relations to managing tensions with conservative American Catholics, Parolin has handled the thorniest issues with characteristic sangfroid. More importantly, he's cultivated relationships with cardinal-electors across the globe – the sort of connections that could prove decisive when votes are cast beneath Michelangelo's masterpiece. The world's focus remains on this papal selection, given its power to direct the path of a Christian faith followed by over 1.2 billion people. Choosing the new pope means setting the course for church teachings and resolving internal disagreements, with a clear divide between reformers and traditionalists. Issues of clear communication, church management, and the struggle to blend tradition with modern needs add to the election's importance. Voices On The Vatican Vote As US President Donald Trump prepared for his Michigan trip, journalists inquired about the upcoming papal selection process and his desired candidate. 'I'd like to be pope,' Trump said. I was excited to hear that President Trump is open to the idea of being the next Pope. This would truly be a dark horse candidate, but I would ask the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open mind about this possibility! The first Pope-U.S. President combination has… — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) April 29, 2025 'That would be my number one choice. No, I don't know, I have no preference...I must say we have a cardinal [Timothy Dolan, who has been the archbishop of New York since 2009] that happens to be out of a place called New York, who's very good. So, we'll see what happens,' the president added. Trump And Cardinal Dolan On The Conclave Reflecting on the current situation, Cardinal Timothy Dolan recalled, 'I was honoured to participate in the conclave that elected Pope Francis in 2013, and to have welcomed him here to New York in 2015,' as reported by Newsweek. 'He touched us all with his simplicity, with his heart of a humble servant. Trusting in the tender and infinite mercy of Jesus, we pray that he is, even now, enjoying his eternal reward in heaven. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace,' Cardinal Dolan said, as per Newsweek. As global attention remains fixed on the Catholic Church's future, an age-old practice has resurfaced with a modern twist: placing bets on who will be the next pope. Placing Bets On The Pontiff Polymarket, a prediction market platform, has captured worldwide attention by offering odds on who will become the next pope after Pope Francis's death on 21 April at the age of 88. BREAKING: Cardinal Pietro Parolin is the frontrunner to succeed Pope Francis as leader of the Catholic Church. See the full list of candidates & realtime papacy odds, only on Polymarket 👇 — Polymarket (@Polymarket) April 21, 2025 The crypto-powered prediction platform indicates that Cardinals Pietro Parolin, Luis Antonio Tagle, Peter Turkson, and Matteo Zuppi are currently leading the papal contest. 4. Matteo Zuppi Since 12 December, 2015, Matteo Maria Zuppi has been the Archbishop of Bologna. This Italian prelate of the Catholic Church is also listed in fourth place on Polymarket's 'Who will be the next Pope?' bet, with odds suggesting a 13% chance. According to the College of Cardinals Report, born in Rome on 11 October 1955, Cardinal Zuppi has experienced a swift ascent within the Italian episcopate. This Italian prelate, situated on the Church's left political spectrum, would probably continue the direction set by Pope Francis, albeit with considerable input from the Sant'Egidio lay community, to which he is closely linked. 3. Peter Turkson Following closely in the betting stakes on Polymarket is Cardinal Peter Turkson, the 72-year-old from Ghana, currently holding 18% of the wagers. Should he be chosen as the next pope, the Standard reports that he would mark a historic moment as the first African pontiff in 1,500 years. This isn't Cardinal Turkson's first brush with papal consideration. He was appointed Ghana's first cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2003 and was a leading candidate during the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis. Though a frontrunner then, he was ultimately passed over. Now, his name resurfaces as a prominent papal possibility. 2. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, currently holding the second-highest chance of succeeding Pope Francis with 21% of the bets on Polymarket, is often called the 'Asian Francis' due to his strong commitment to social justice. According to the DailyBeast report, the 76-year-old would be the first pope from Asia. Here is Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle dancing at the 2018 pre-synodal meeting with young people in Łódź, Poland. He is one of the leading candidates to become the next pope: — Wojciech Pawelczyk (@WojPawelczyk) April 23, 2025 1. Pietro Parolin According to Polymarket's 'Who will be the next Pope?' section, Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin is currently the frontrunner, with a 24% chance of being elected. The 70-year-old Vatican Secretary of State since 2013 is also known as the 'deputy pope' and is considered a moderate choice, according to the Daily Beast. Born on 17 January 1955 in Schiavon, a town within the province and Diocese of Vicenza in Northern Italy, Cardinal Pietro Parolin felt a calling to the priesthood from a young age, entering the seminary in Vicenza at just fourteen. According to the College of Cardinals Report, Pietro Parolin has earned a strong reputation among secular diplomats as a reliable and respected papal figure in international relations. Many observe a career trajectory akin to that of Pope St. Paul VI, who also had a diplomatic background. The Next Pope The next pope will inherit a Catholic Church experiencing perhaps its deepest divisions since the Reformation. Bitter theological battles rage between progressive Catholics energised by Francis's more inclusive approach and traditionalists who fear the Church is sacrificing eternal truths on the altar of contemporary relevance. Originally published on IBTimes UK This article is copyrighted by the business news leader
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Here's what ChatGPT's prediction on the new Pope says...
ChatGPT's prediction on the new Pope In a historic development blending ancient tradition with cutting-edge technology, the Roman Catholic Church stands at a pivotal moment in its 2,000-year-old history. Following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88, cardinals from across the globe have gathered in Vatican City for the solemn and secretive process of selecting the next pope. While the sacred conclave — governed by centuries-old ritual — formally begins behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel, a modern player has entered the scene: artificial intelligence. According to a report from MailOnline, in an unprecedented development, AI models such as OpenAI's ChatGPT have already analysed betting odds, ecclesiastical trends, and historical data to predict Cardinal Pietro Parolin as the frontrunner to succeed Pope Francis. ChatGPT predicts Cardinal Pietro Parolin as papal frontrunner Despite the conclave's inaccessibility, modern data tools have ventured into the prediction arena. OpenAI's ChatGPT, trained on a vast corpus of theological writings, historical records, and real-time news analysis, has named Cardinal Pietro Parolin as the most likely candidate. Parolin, who currently serves as the Vatican Secretary of State, holds a commanding 37% lead on platforms like Polymarket, a decentralized prediction market. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like CFD's: Investing $200 in Emaar Malls can give you a second income TradeLG Undo His experience as a top Vatican diplomat since 2013, including his role in managing the delicate 2018 Vatican-China agreement, has earned him broad respect across the Church's global hierarchy. His ability to mediate between the Church's conservative and reformist factions positions him as a strong compromise candidate. A secluded ritual of global importance The papal conclave is derived from the Latin phrase cum clave, meaning 'with a key,' reflecting the locked seclusion in which the process is conducted. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, totaling 135 electors in the current conclave. Once the proceedings begin, the cardinals are cut off from all outside communication — including electronic devices — ensuring that their decision remains confidential and spiritually guided. The election requires a two-thirds majority, with ballots cast up to four times a day. Until consensus is reached, black smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney signals an inconclusive vote. Only the appearance of white smoke confirms that a new pope has been selected. This tradition, unchanged for centuries, symbolizes both continuity and divine will in a time of leadership transition. Cardinal Parolin: Diplomat, advisor, and contender for the papacy Parolin's background offers a rare combination of theological depth, diplomatic skill, and institutional continuity. Fluent in multiple languages and known for his understated pragmatism, he has often acted as Pope Francis' closest advisor in international affairs. However, his past remarks — such as describing Ireland's legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015 as 'a defeat for humanity' — have drawn criticism from more progressive elements within the Church. Nonetheless, his centrist approach and familiarity with Church governance make him a likely choice in a conclave where compromise is often key. Tight race with global implications While Parolin leads the AI prediction models and betting markets, other contenders remain in close competition. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, widely known as 'the Asian Francis,' holds a strong 32% probability. His charisma, pastoral style, and appeal to younger Catholics have positioned him as a serious candidate, especially for those seeking a globalized and inclusive Church leadership. Other notable candidates include Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, who could become the first Black pope, and Cardinal Péter Erdő of Hungary, known for his strong conservative stances. Each candidate represents different theological, geographic, and political currents within the global Church. Also read | Genshin Impact Codes | Fruit Battlegrounds Codes | Blox Fruits Codes | Peroxide Codes
Economic Times
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
Will ChatGPT's prediction about the next pope come true? Speculations begin after Pope Francis' passing
AP Following Pope Francis' death at 88, the Catholic Church begins the secretive Conclave to elect his successor. AI tool ChatGPT predicts Cardinal Pietro Parolin as the front-runner, citing his diplomatic experience and role as Vatican Secretary of State. In a historic twist that blends ancient ritual with modern tech, the Roman Catholic Church finds itself at a remarkable crossroads. Following the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88, the sacred process of electing a new spiritual leader is underway — but with an unprecedented twist. For the first time in its 2,000-year history, the papal conclave has been pre-empted by artificial intelligence. As cardinals from around the world converge on Vatican City for the secretive conclave — a centuries-old process conducted in utter seclusion behind locked doors — artificial intelligence has already cast its vote. And it's betting on Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the seasoned Vatican Secretary of State, as the most likely successor to Pope Francis. The conclave, derived from the Latin term cum clave meaning "with key," will see 135 cardinals under the age of 80 locked inside the Sistine Chapel, cut off entirely from the outside world. Their sacred mission: to elect the next pope by a two-thirds majority vote. No smartphones, no whispers from the web — only centuries of tradition, prayer, and ballots cast in silence. But while the cardinals deliberate, AI is already ahead. According to a report from MailOnline , OpenAI's ChatGPT — trained on vast swathes of ecclesiastical history, betting odds, and current affairs — forecasts that Parolin, a 70-year-old Italian diplomat-priest, stands as the frontrunner. Not only does he lead prediction markets like Polymarket with a 37% chance, but he's also viewed as the continuity candidate, able to bridge reformist and conservative factions alike. Cardinal Parolin's resume reads like a blueprint for papal succession. Having served as the Vatican's top diplomat since 2013, he is Pope Francis' right-hand man in many respects. Fluent in several languages and well-versed in navigating delicate geopolitical tensions — including the controversial 2018 Vatican-China agreement — he's both respected and pragmatic. But Parolin is not without criticism. His conservative stance, such as describing Ireland's 2015 vote to legalize same-sex marriage as "a defeat for humanity," may alienate some progressive electors. Yet in conclave dynamics, where no clear frontrunner often prevails outright, it is precisely such moderation and compromise that makes him a viable candidate. While Parolin leads the odds, the race is far from settled. His closest rival, 67-year-old Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle — often dubbed "the Asian Francis" — remains a compelling contender. Known for his charisma, compassion, and cross-cultural appeal, Tagle could become the first Asian pope in Church history. AI analysis even acknowledges the razor-thin margin between Parolin's 37% and Tagle's 32%. Other names in contention include Ghana's Peter Turkson, who would be the first Black pope, and Hungary's Peter Erdo, a conservative favorite. Yet, as ChatGPT warns, conclave politics are notoriously unpredictable, often hinging on shifts in sentiment and strategic withdrawals. — VaticanNews (@VaticanNews) As the cardinals settle in, anticipation builds globally. Each day, up to four ballots may be cast. If no candidate reaches the necessary two-thirds majority, black smoke will rise from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel. Only when white smoke appears will the world know that a new pontiff has been chosen. The longest conclave ever lasted nearly three years in the 13th century, though recent elections have been swift. In 2013, Pope Francis was elected within two days. Once a consensus is reached, the chosen cardinal will accept — if he chooses to — and take on a papal name, donning the white vestments before stepping onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to greet a waiting world. While AI can analyze data, parse history, and calculate odds, it cannot predict divine inspiration. And yet, its inclusion in this momentous chapter signals a fascinating intersection of faith and futurism. Whether it's Pietro Parolin or another papabile who emerges as the next Holy Father, one thing is certain: the smoke may be white, but in 2025, it's tinged with a digital glow.
