Pope sends China wishes for successful Olympics
Updated
Pope Benedict has sent China his wishes for a successful Olympics, which get underway next weekend, saying the event is an example of human dignity and peaceful coexistence.
Speaking to a crowd of several thousand in northern Italy, he sent greetings to the Chinese government, the Games organisers, and athletes, saying he hoped all would do their best to make the games a success.
Observers say it's significant the Pope chose to send an explicity greeting to China, where the government does not allow Chinese Catholics to recognise his authority and has set up a rival state-backed Catholic church.
However the Pope has said improving relations with China - where some Catholics recognise the state church, and others are secretly loyal to Rome - is a main goal of his time as pontiff.
He's said he hopes diplomatic ties between Beijing and the Vatican, where were broken off in 1951, can be restored.
