The Roman Catholic Church says China's appointment of two bishops without Va.ti.can. approval is \"a grave violation of religious freedom.\"
A strongly worded statement by the Va.ti.can. today (Thursday) says Pope Benedict was deeply saddened by news of China's clerical appointments this week.
Church officials say they have learned that Catholic clergymen in China have faced \"strong pressure and threats\" to compel them to take part in consecration ceremonies for the two bishops. Because the Va.ti.can. did not approve the two bishops' ordinations, the church spokesman said, the ceremonies were \"illegitimate.\"