From today's SCMP regarding THAT Letter

I wonder if this will cause any leaks.

Beijing to get a preview of Pope's letter to Catholics (paid subscription only)


AMBROSE LEUNG


Beijing will be given an advance copy of Pope Benedict's letter to Chinese Catholics, a move seen as a courtesy to ease tensions of the past few weeks.

But, according to Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, the central government and the state-sanctioned Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association should not see this as an opportunity to negotiate the details of the Pope's letter.

The letter, which is expected to stress the traditional powers of the Catholic Church, will focus on pastoral affairs rather than diplomacy. It is expected to be published in the next few weeks and, according to church sources, has already been signed by the Pope.

The letter is written in Italian. Once the Chinese and English translations are complete, a copy will be sent to Beijing about five working days before its publication.

Cardinal Zen, leader of the Hong Kong Catholic Diocese, said the plan to give advance notice to Beijing was "a gesture to give face" to the Chinese government. "This would give them time to absorb the details and prepare their reaction. This will not be a chance for them to negotiate any changes in the letter's details," he said.

There have also been plans to arrange Church experts and academics familiar with China to write commentaries and analysis based on the Pope's views expressed in the letter, to be published over the same period to help relay the message.

A Church source familiar with the developments said that as well as stressing the Pope's power to appoint bishops, the "comprehensive" letter would also clear up confusion on the relations between the underground and state-sanctioned churches.

"Although Beijing is bound to be unhappy with some points, the Holy Father's letter will bring stability and reconciliation to the Church, which is in line with Beijing's wish to achieve social harmony," the source said.

Expected details of the letter include reaffirmation of the roles of bishops, rather than laymen, in administering dioceses; the rights of bishops to travel freely to attend Church events in Rome; training of priests and counselling for Catholics before marriage.