The Pillar Podcast Ep. 241: China, Venezuela, and a slick transition
Dec 12, 2025
Edgar Beltrán, a Rome correspondent and journalist specializing in Latin America and the Vatican, joins the conversation to discuss the challenging conditions for Cardinal Porras in Venezuela, including his recent detention at an airport. The talk also delves into the implications of Porras's Vatican passport and how Maduro's regime aims to silence opposition voices. Additionally, they analyze the intricacies of U.S. pressures on Venezuela amidst the escalating political climate, revealing the delicate interplay between diplomacy and authoritarianism.
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Deal Risks Moral Compromise
- The Vatican-China deal risks compromising the Holy See's moral credibility by engaging an evil actor that commits grave human-rights abuses.
- Evaluating the deal's effects on its own terms matters even while criticizing its wisdom, says Ed Condon.
Xinjiang Signals A New Ecclesial Map
- Recent events in Xinjiang show Beijing and the CPCA are reorganizing ecclesiastical structures to press state control while presenting apparent cooperation.
- The Holy See appears to be pursuing a unified ecclesial map for China, merging overlapping jurisdictions to reduce blank spots.
Judge The Deal By Tangible Outcomes
- Evaluate the Vatican-China deal by measuring concrete outcomes on religious freedom and ecclesial unity, not only moral rhetoric.
- Track jurisdictional changes and state recognition as practical indicators of the agreement's effect, advises Ed Condon.