I would bet on there being much more going on behind the scenes. Diplomacy in asymmetrical relationships are difficult to navigate even for astute leaders and diplomats. This is not like Pope John Paul II during the Cold War which was a unique combination of man and circumstance. Poland was 80% Catholic (and Polish) with a long history of resisting ideological state nonsense. China has dozens of ethnic minorities, is about 2% Catholic and has been an imperial power on and off over the centuries. A Chinese pope would not necessarily make a difference like Pope John Paul II did for Poland and Eastern Europe.
Meanwhile, from the Holy See.... (crickets!)
I would bet on there being much more going on behind the scenes. Diplomacy in asymmetrical relationships are difficult to navigate even for astute leaders and diplomats. This is not like Pope John Paul II during the Cold War which was a unique combination of man and circumstance. Poland was 80% Catholic (and Polish) with a long history of resisting ideological state nonsense. China has dozens of ethnic minorities, is about 2% Catholic and has been an imperial power on and off over the centuries. A Chinese pope would not necessarily make a difference like Pope John Paul II did for Poland and Eastern Europe.
“From your lips to God’s ears.” May it be so.