, Vatican City, March 24 (UPI) -- The Vatican is willing to compromise with China over religious freedom in exchange for re-establishing diplomatic ties, a Vatican official has said.
"Naturally, we want the bird to fly freely outside, but I will be satisfied at this moment if the cage is as big as this room instead of just a small one like now," the official told the South China Morning Post.
He said that while mutual misunderstanding over religious freedom remains a problem, he was very hopeful that positive developments would come, the newspaper reported Friday.
The official did not elaborate on a time frame for resumption of ties but said changes could happen suddenly.
His comments echoed views expressed earlier by Hong Kong Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun on the eve of his formal elevation at the Vatican.
But Zen said the Vatican should not re-establish diplomatic relations with Beijing before China allows religious freedom.
The cardinal-designate, who is scheduled to receive his "red hat" Friday, also said he intends to brief the pope on the situation of the Catholic Church in China when he meets the pontiff for the first time since last month's announcement of his elevation.
