Pope prays for Chinese Catholics after bishop rift
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Pope Benedict XVI has called for prayers for Catholics in China following new tensions with the government over the illicit ordination of a bishop by the state-backed church.
The Vatican has denounced China for the ordination, warning that it was gravely damaging the faith and that the bishop risked excommunication for having been ordained without papal consent.
On Wednesday, Benedict asked for prayers for Chinese Catholics and said he was also praying for Chinese bishops "so that they may bear witness to their faith with courage."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Authorities reportedly forced at least three Vatican-approved bishops to attend the Nov. 19 ceremony.
The state-backed Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association insists it alone appoints bishops.