Pope Benedict XVI has sent a reconciliatory letter to Catholics in China hoping to re-establish relations between them and the Vatican.

Currently loyalties are divided among China's Catholics who have dedication to Beijing, as well as the Roman Catholic Church headquarters in Rome.

China, a communist nation, has a population of 10 to 15 million Catholics who have been isolated from the Vatican for more than 50 years. Beijing cut diplomatic links with Rome as communism took over the country.

Pope Benedict's letter has been sent directly to Chinese authorities, and has been described by the BBC as "one of the boldest diplomatic and pastoral initiatives of Benedict's reign (as Pope) so far".

Currently in China there are two Catholic Churches. The underground Church operates "illegally" in the country without the authority of Beijing and is still in communion with the Vatican. The "official" state-guided Patriotic Catholic Church, meanwhile, has cut its ties with the Pope and, uniquely, has its bishops appointed by the Beijing authorities.

The Pope's 28-page letter is alleged to have been written carefully so as not to mention specifically the underground or the Patriotic Catholic Churches, in the hope that relations can be re-established.

Beijing has reportedly called leading bishops from the Patriotic Catholic Church to discuss a response to the letter.

It is thought that the Vatican's links with Taiwan remain one of the main stumbling blocks to reconciliation. Beijing has consistently called for the Pope to break ties with Taiwan before a Papal nuncio would be allowed to once again reside as the Pope's representative in China.