Newly elected Pope Leo XIV has recognised the importance of maintaining communication with mainland Chinese authorities and will follow the course set by his predecessor regarding Beijing-Vatican ties, Hong Kong’s Catholic bishop has revealed.

Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan disclosed the details in an article published in Catholic newspaper the Sunday Examiner on Thursday, two days after his first significant meeting with the new pontiff since taking part in the conclave in May.

The meeting, held at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, was intended as “an in-depth exchange on the situation of the church in China”, according to the article.

The US pontiff “intends to continue the direction set by [late] Pope Francis in dealing with China,” Chow told the weekly paper.

“He recognises the importance of dialogue between the church and the mainland authorities, and considers respectful communication a priority in addressing challenges in China-Vatican relations.”

He added that the pope was open to learning more about the church’s situation on the mainland and was receptive to different perspectives.