Pope calls on divided Chinese Catholics to reconcile

Pope Francis has asked all the Chinese Catholics toreconcile while accepting that a historic deal with Beijing on nominating bishops may have caused "confusion"

In a written message to Roman Catholics in China on Wednesday, the Pope said, "I now invite all Chinese Catholics to work towards reconciliation".

"Some feel doubt and perplexity, while others sense themselves somehow abandoned by the Holy See".

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"I am aware that this flurry of thoughts and opinions may have caused a certain confusion and prompted different reactions in the hearts of many", he added.

Pope Francis had said earlier during the day that heand not China will have final sayin the appointment of bishops after the Vatican and China struck a historic deal last week ending decades of conflict.

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Francis, however, conceded "Catholics will suffer" but added that in a "peace accord or negotiation both sides lose something".

"I think of the endurance of the Catholics who suffered. It is true that they will suffer. There is always suffering in an accord, but they have great faith," the Pope said.

Saturday's historic deal has paved the way for rapprochement between the Vatican and the Communist country, despite the fears of some in the persecuted underground Church.

According to the deal, new bishops first will be proposed by members of local Catholic communities together with Chinese authorities and the names of candidates will be sent to the Vatican.

There are an estimated 12 million Catholics in China split between the underground church and serving state-led Catholic Patriotic Association.

(With inputs from agencies)