Chinese Catholics cheered Pope Francis's visit in his South Korea last week, albeit news blackout by the Chinese government.

In several interviews, some Chinese Catholics expressed their hope that Pope Francis would consider visiting Beijing during his trip to East Asia.

However, they could only hope.

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Even the news of the Pope's visit in South Korea was censored by the government-controlled media, according to reports.

In addition, officials threatened Chinese Catholics and clergymen with retribution if they take part in the papal visit in the neighboring country.

This obvious display of control over Catholicism in the country dates back to 1951 with the establishment of the Communist Party.

In the two decades that followed, it persecuted the church and imprisoned priests. In 1970, it allowed some religious freedom in the country, including appointing of its own bishops.

China established a state organization called Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association, polarizing Chinese Catholics in the country.

On one side are Chinese Catholics going to official churches appointed by CPCA. On the other side are those attending underground churches where religious freedom is greater.

This control over the matters of religion resulted to tensions between China and the Vatican.

The Vatican insisted that control over Catholicism even in China rests upon the Vatican alone.

Priests and mass goers on Friday at a church in Beijing expressed that they felt closer to the Pope. However, as the Pope's visit in South Korea came to a close, Chinese Catholics expressed sentiments that he seemed "so far away."

The Catholic community in China hopes that the gap between China and the Vatican be bridged. Some said that a visit in China could ease that distance, according to reports.

With China's tight control, it seems to be a long shot.

But Pope Francis is undeterred. As he passed by Chinese territory on Thursday, he sent prayers and greetings to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people, reports said.

TagsPope Francis visit in South Korea, Chinese Catholics, Pope Francis