高大伟David Gosset

法国里昂商学院高级顾问
法国里昂商学院美好商业中心学术委员会成员
中欧美全球倡议发起人
《中国与世界》三卷书主编
“灵感”系列发起人

法国里昂商学院高级顾问，中欧美全球倡议发起人，《中国与世界》三卷书主编，“灵感”系列发起人，该系列书籍旨在向世界介绍中国。

Beneath Michelangelo's Last Judgment, where heaven and hell are etched in timeless color, in the sacred hush of the Sistine Chapel, the conclave has chosen the 267th successor to Saint Peter, Robert Prevost, 69, known as Leo XIV. He is the first American to fill this role, although he is considered as much a cardinal from Latin America because of his deep connection with Peru.

We can only imagine the deliberations behind those closed doors —the prayer, the politics, the human frailty intertwined with divine purpose. Yet the secrecy of this ancient ritual does not weaken it; on the contrary, in a world consumed by noise and shallow communication, its silence speaks with rare and resonant depth.

The announcement — "Habemus Papam" — echoed once again from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, marking a new chapter in the long and storied history of the papacy. His predecessor, Pope Francis (1936-2025), leaves behind a legacy defined by humility, compassion, and a deep commitment to the marginalized. Known for his efforts to bring the Church closer to the people, he prioritized the needs of the poor and worked tirelessly for social justice.

Pope Francis was also notable for being the first Jesuit to ascend to the papacy, a fact that colored his approach to leadership. One of the most complex and diplomatically sensitive areas in which he made a concerted effort was in the Church's relationship with China.

For over one decade, Pope Francis and his advisors labored quietly to open new channels of communication with Beijing. The relationship between the Holy See and the People's Republic of China has long been fraught with tension and mutual suspicion. Yet, during Francis's tenure, some tangible progress was made— particularly concerning the nomination of bishops, a matter that sits at the heart of both ecclesiastical autonomy and state sovereignty. While full diplomatic relations have not yet been established, both sides have engaged in a process of cautious rapprochement, marked by what might best be described as a "quiet compromise."

Why does the normalization of China-Vatican relations matter so deeply? From the perspective of the Catholic Church, the answer lies in its very identity. The word "catholic" means "universal." A Church that truly seeks to be universal cannot ignore China, home to 1.4 billion people. For a faith that aims to reach every corner of the earth, engaging with China is not optional—it is essential. The Chinese Catholic community, though small in number relative to the population, is vibrant and resilient. By forging a deeper relationship with Beijing, the Vatican hopes to secure a more stable and supportive environment for Chinese Catholics.

On the other side, for China, opening dialogue with the Vatican can be seen as a demonstration of maturity and global responsibility. It signals a willingness to engage with one of the world's oldest and most influential religious institutions. Such a move would not only benefit Chinese Catholics, but also enhance China's international image as a nation confident in its identity and secure in its ability to manage diversity.

Of course, reconciling two universalisms—one spiritual and the other political—is no simple task. Both the Vatican and the Chinese government view themselves as unique custodians of profound traditions and far-reaching missions. Yet, in an increasingly fragmented world, a sincere partnership between them could serve as a powerful symbol of unity and dialogue. Their collaboration could offer a rare example of how two deeply different systems can find common ground without compromising core values.

Importantly, neither side is in a rush. Strategic patience has been a hallmark of these efforts. Grand breakthroughs are unlikely to come all at once. Instead, steady, incremental progress—rooted in mutual respect and understanding—is the most realistic and sustainable path forward.

As Leo XIV begins his ministry, the world watches to see whether he will build upon the delicate foundations laid by his predecessor. The hope is that this long and patient journey toward mutual recognition and cooperation will continue. In a divided world, even the smallest gestures of unity can illuminate the path toward peace.