China failed to receive the message sent by Pope Francis as his plane flew over the Asian country on Thursday because of a technical "glitch," a Vatican spokesperson said.

The Pope's message of goodwill to China's leadership was part of a customary protocol done by the Vatican whenever the Pope and his Holy See flew over a country.

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The message was sent from the plane that the Pope has chartered as it entered Chinese airspace.

However, in a statement released by Vatican spokesperson Rev. Federico Lombardi on Friday, he said the Pope's message was not received by China and the Chinese embassy in Italy had to ask for a copy of the message.

The [Chinese] embassy asked about the message because it seemed to have not arrived, Lombardi said.

The glitch happened while the Pope was aboard a plane traveling to South Korea in an effort to support the growth of the Catholic Church in Asia amid China's decades-long battle with the Vatican for catholic autonomy.

Even with the glitch, China reportedly released a statement through its Foreign Minister, who said that they are looking into improving their relationship with the Vatican.

The trip to Asia also marked the first time the Pope had permission to use China's airspace which brought about the Pope's message of goodwill toward the country.

Beijing and the Vatican had a falling out in 1951 when China appointed a bishop without the approval of the Vatican.

China also reportedly wanted to create a catholic community that is outside of the Vatican's authority.

The relationship was further frayed in 1989 when Beijing refused St. John Paul II from passing through Chinese airspace when he went to South Korea.

TagsPope Francis, China-Vatican relations