The Chinese Catholic Church said Saturday in Beijing that the democratic selection and ordination of Catholic bishops in China are aimed at serving the need of pastoral spread and the management of religious affairs.

The statement was made by the Catholic Patriotic Association of China and Chinese Catholic Bishops College. On May 4, the Vatican criticized the recent ordination of some bishops in China.

"(The selection and ordination) fully reflect the wish of all priests and believers," the Chinese Catholic Church said, adding that the selection and ordination of the bishops strictly followed Catholic traditions.

"Those bishops have solid faith and moral integrity," the Church said. "They are outstanding in theological achievement, personal morality and work capability. They have won extensive support and love from priests and believers."

The Church said it would continue to stick to the principle of independence and self-management when handling internal church affairs. "We will go ahead to spread the words of the Christ, serve the society and the people and glorify God."

The Chinese Catholic Church also expressed the hope for earlier improvement of the relationship between China and the Vatican. "We will pray for it."

Official statistics show that there are more than 5 million Catholic believers in China. The figure was 2.7 million half a century ago.

Source: Xinhua