Francis calls relations with China 'respectful' after Mongolia trip

Pope Francis praised the openness of the Chinese people and stated Russian culture must not be canceled because of politics during a news conference on Monday where he railed on the dangers of imperialism and ideology.

The pope’s comments were made while answering questions by journalists aboard the papal flight returning from Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia, where he paid homage to the small Catholic community in the majority Buddhist country. The four-day visit was sometimes overshadowed by the neighboring country of China, which banned local bishops from traveling to the event.

“Relations with China are very respectful. I have a great admiration for the Chinese people. They are very open, so to speak,” the pope said.