This Shall Not Pass

I really like Coco's cartoons. I think he/she hits the spot precisely with these images. Below is something that I have contemplated and perhaps feared for some time. But I had faith that at least during John Paul II's papacy this would not come to pass. For though I am not a Catholic, nor a Christian, I do believe John Paul was a godly man, and he did intend to do good for the world. I do not know enough of Benedict to say anything.

The Vatican is one of the few sovereign states that have full diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Obviously, since their existence could be considered more religious and faith based than political (though it is also true from years of history how politically influential the Vatican is) or economical, one would think that the Vatican should maintain ties with all nations. If their "greed" to Christianize China allows them to sacrifice their friendship with Taiwan, I think it will be quite clear that the Vatican no longer has a direct line to God. I hope that Benedict's and future pope's better Christian conscience will lead the Catholic Church to never allow this to pass.

There are other ways to spread the Gospel to China without cutting ties with Taiwan, for example, through Taiwanese businesses and connections..just a thought of course.