Pope renews hope for positive dialogue with China

In Christmas greeting with cardinals, the Pope spoke of a letter sent in June to China's Catholics, who are split between those in a state-backed patriotic church and those who worship in a so-called underground church loyal to him.

He said the letter was received with "joy and gratitude" by Catholics in China, whose government does not have diplomatic relations with the Vatican.

The Pope said he hoped the letter, which was made public in June, would "produce hoped-for fruits". The Pope repeated the Vatican's "willingness to hold a calm and constructive dialogue" with Chinese political authorities "to find a solution to various problems regarding the Catholic community". There are between 8 and 12 million Catholics in China.

Benedict has made improving ties with Beijing a major goal of his pontificate.

Relations have hit low points several times in recent years as the Vatican criticised China for appointing bishops without papal approval. In May 2006, Benedict accused China of "grave violations of religious freedom".

Relations warmed significantly last September when the Vatican approved the installation of a new state-approved Catholic bishop of Beijing.