Hong Kong - Pope Benedict XVI has for a third time rejected a request by Hong Kong's controversial Cardinal Joseph Zen to retire, a government-run radio report said Wednesday.
Zen, 75, who has been outspoken in his criticisms of the lack of political and religious freedoms in mainland China, has been asked by Benedict to stay on, RTHK reported.
The cardinal was told he was needed to help the Vatican handle its sensitive relations with China, where bishops have been appointed without the Holy See's approval.
Zen said he would do as the pope requested but would put in a petition asking him to appoint an assistant bishop to help him with his work as Hong Kong Catholic church leader.
The Vatican has held talks with China over the renewing of diplomatic links for the first time in half a century, but last year's ordination of unauthorized bishops set the process back.
Diplomatic links between China and the Vatican were severed over the Vatican's decision to recognize Taiwan, which is regarded by China as a renegade province.