Pope warns Beijing

VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul told China yesterday that the Vatican would be closely watching how Catholics in Hong Kong are …

VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul told China yesterday that the Vatican would be closely watching how Catholics in Hong Kong are treated after the British colony is handed over to Beijing this year.

In his annual "state of the world" address to diplomats accredited to the Vatican the pontiff also called for a redoubling of efforts to keep the Middle East peace process on track.

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