Religion Roundup
Chinese Orchestra to Play for Pope
The Associated Press
May 6, 2008
BEIJING - The China Philharmonic Orchestra plans to perform this week for Pope Benedict -- the latest indication that the often-strained ties between Beijing and the Vatican are improving.
The orchestra's conductor told the state-run China Daily that Wednesday's performance at the Vatican, featuring Mozart's "Requiem," was initiated by the Chinese and was arranged rather quickly.
Many Catholics in China worship in congregations outside the state-approved church. In a letter to Chinese Catholics last year, Benedict praised the underground church, but also urged the faithful to reconcile with followers of the official church.
Though China and the Vatican have no formal diplomatic ties, Chinese priests and seminarians routinely go to the Vatican for training.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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