Pope Leo, China, and the ‘relationship game’

Future progress with China seems set to hinge on personal relationships, not diplomatic negotiations.

Cardinal Stephen Chow of Hong Kong met Pope Leo XIV September 2 for their first in-depth conversation since the pope’s election earlier this year.

Pope Leo XIV meets Cardinal Stephen Chow in the Apostolic Palace. Image credit: Vatican media.

According to the cardinal, the meeting was a chance for the pope to “gain a fuller picture and a better understandi…