https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2020/07/the_vatican_plays_politics_with_china.html
This past Sunday, Pope Francis spoke to the Catholic faithful during the traditional Angelus prayer. Many throughout the world, especially those in Hong Kong, anticipated that the Bishop of Rome would speak out against the suppression of political and religious freedom by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) the week prior — as per protocol, the pope normally gives an exegetical explanation of Scripture followed by a brief address, normal on an international current event.
To the dismay of many, Francis made reference to the resolution adopted by the United Nations Security Council that proposed some measures to deal with the devastating consequences of the coronavirus, particularly for areas in conflict zones — the request made is for a global and immediate ceasefire by countries that are currently engaged in combat with each other.
As reported and confirmed by various news agencies throughout the world, there was a bulletin distributed to journalists before the Pope’s Angelus prayer that contained some important words on the crisis in Hong Kong — the speech was to be read immediately after the Angelus exhortation:
“In recent times, I have followed the development of the complex situation in Hong Kong with particular attention and not without concern, and I would like first of all to express my cordial closeness to all the inhabitants of that territory. In the current context, the issues addressed are undoubtedly delicate and affect everyone’s life; therefore it is understandable that there is a marked sensitivity in this regard. I therefore hope that all the people involved will be able to deal with the various problems in a spirit of far-sighted wisdom and authentic dialogue. This requires courage, humility, non-violence and respect for the dignity and rights of all. I then express the vow that social life, and especially religious life, express themselves in full and true freedom, as indeed various international documents provide for it. With my constant prayer I accompany the whole Catholic community and the people of goodwill in Hong Kong, so that they can build a prosperous and harmonious society together.”