Pope Francis has begun a concerted effort to mend the Vatican's ties with China as a prelude to restoring diplomatic relations severed in 1951 after the communist takeover of China.

As a gesture of goodwill, Pope Francis is believed to be seriously considering pardoning the eight "Catholic" bishops appointed by the Communist Party of China to lead the party's "official version" of the Catholic Church called the "Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association."

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There are some 10 million Catholics in China split between communist Catholics and real Roman Catholics that owe allegiance to Rome and who are derided as the "underground Church" by the communists. Rome has never recognized the eight communist bishops as true bishops of the Catholic Church.

"The aim of the contacts between the Holy See and Chinese representatives is not primarily that of establishing diplomatic relations, but that of facilitating the life of the Church and contributing to making relations in ecclesial life normal and serene," said Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi.

On the other hand, China is willing, "on the basis of the relevant principles, to continue having constructive dialogue with the Vatican side, to meet each other halfway and jointly promote the continued forward development of the process of improving bilateral ties," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.

The ministry hopes "the Vatican can likewise take a flexible and pragmatic attitude and create beneficial conditions for improving bilateral relations."

Observers noted that a Vatican pardon for the eight communist bishops will advance the brewing détente between the Vatican and Beijing.

While full diplomatic relation between both states isn't being contemplated at this time, this aim is the end game desired by the Church. A restoration of diplomatic ties will allow the Catholic Church to establish a regular presence in China free of persecution, which is its greatest prize.

Some of China's communist leaders, however, fear allowing the Catholic Church to return will give it a powerful foothold on the mainland and challenge the Communist Party's absolute authority.

Spokespeople for both sides affirmed that talks are continuing but refused to provide details.

TagsPope Francis, Roman Catholics, china, Vatican