Beijing Cautions New Pope on Meddling in China

Eugene Hoshiko/Associated Press

A worshipper prayed at St. Ignatius Cathedral on Thursday in Shanghai. More Photos »

By GERRY MULLANY

HONG KONG — China congratulated Pope Francis on Thursday on his ascension to the papacy, but also warned the Vatican not to interfere in what China deems to be its internal affairs.

Pope Prays for Freedom in China and Peace in Syria

Alessandro Bianchi/Reuters

Pope Benedict XVI blessed the crowd during his "Urbi et Orbi" address fin St. Peter's Square in Vatican.

By RACHEL DONADIO

Speaking from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Benedict XVI called on Tuesday for religious freedom in China and peace for the “defenseless” in Syria in his annual Christmas Day message.

“May peace spring up for the people of Syria, deeply wounded and divided by a conflict which does not spare even the defenseless and reaps innocent victims,” Benedict said. “I appeal for an end to the bloodshed, easier access for the relief of refugees and the displaced, and dialogue in the pursuit of a political solution to the conflict.”