La genesi delle relazioni diplomatiche sino-vaticane. I Papi e la Cina nazionalista

One of the most fascinating and debated issues within contemporary Christianity is undoubtedly the history of diplomatic relations between the Catholic Church and Republican China, both in its nationalist (1916 - 1949) and communist (1949 - present) connotations. In the following article, attention will be paid to the genesis of relations between the Church and the early republican and nationalist governments in Chinese history. An attempt will first be made to shed light on Benedict XV's decision to change the face of Catholic evangelizing missions around the world. Through this choice, the Great War pontiff was able to cleanse the Church of an image of colonial power. Second, attention will be paid to the organization of the first Chinese Catholic Council (which led to the genesis of an indigenous Church) and to the figure of Celso Costantini, a key man in relations with the Nationalist government in Nanjing. Finally, the causes that led Antonio Riberi to become the first apostolic internuncio on Chinese soil in 1946 will be analyzed.