VATICAN CITY —  The Vatican and its high-ranking clergy in China want to have a "respectful and constructive" dialogue with Beijing authorities over the role of the Catholic church there, the Vatican said Thursday.

The call came this week during a meeting of a special commission on China created by Pope Benedict XVI. Among the participants at the meeting was Hong Kong Cardinal Joseph Zen, an outspoken champion of religious freedom who at times has drawn the ire of Beijing authorities.

The Vatican said in a statement that participants focused on issues concerning the life of the Catholic Church in China. The pope, who has made improving relations with China a priority, is keen to restore diplomatic relations with Beijing.

Beijing broke ties with the Vatican in 1951 after the communists took power in China.

Millions of Chinese belong to unofficial congregations that are loyal to the pope and risk harassment.

The pope sent a letter to Catholics in China last year, praising the underground church but also urging reconciliation with the official church.

"In line with the indications expressed by the pope in his letter, the will for a respectful and constructive dialogue with the authorities was reiterated," during the meeting, the Vatican statement said.

Catholic clergy in China have at times been jailed and worship is allowed only in state-backed churches, which appoint their own bishops in defiance of the Vatican.

But last year, a cleric well-regarded by the Vatican was installed as bishop of Beijing by China's state-controlled Church, a move seen as easing tensions between the Chinese government and the Holy See, which insists that the pope appoint bishops.

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