When the Gospel meets the China Dream: Religious Freedom and the Golden Rule

The issue of religious freedom affects Sino-Vatican relations, but the Roman Catholic Church shares values with Confucianism, which provides common ground for dialogue. Pope Francis is focusing the church outward by promoting a culture of encounter and by working unceasingly for a fraternal dialogue of peace. Chinese president Xi Jinping urges his people to fulfill the China dream, emphasizing the core values of harmony, friendship, and civilization. Many have believed that the Gospel can contribute to China’s spiritual civilization; normalization of relations between China and the Holy See would benefit China and the Catholic Church and contribute to world peace and harmony