China Frees Vatican-affiliated Bishop: Sources

Chinese police have released an underground bishop after holding him for a day, sources told AFP on Wednesday, as Beijing and the Vatican prepare to seal a historic agreement on the appointment of prelates.

Vincent Guo Xijin, bishop of the diocese of Mindong in the southeastern province of Fujian, was at the centre of the controversial deal after being urged by the Vatican to step aside for a prelate recognised by China's Communist government.

He was detained on Monday, a Catholic source close to the matter said, though it was not clear why.

"He has returned home. He was taken away on Monday evening and returned on Tuesday evening," the source said, requesting anonymity to avoid repercussions.

An Amnesty International researcher in Hong Kong, Patrick Poon, also cited sources as saying Guo was released after being held for "talks".

The detention was first reported on Tuesday by AsiaNews, which is run by the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions.

The AsiaNews report said Guo was detained along with another official of the diocese. The status of the second official is unclear.

Asked about Guo's arrest, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said he was not aware of the situation.