BEIJING – China arrested a Roman Catholic bishop shortly before sending the Vatican condolences over the pope’s death, campaigners against religious persecution have announced.

In a sign of its contradictory attitude toward religion, the Beijing leadership formally wished the pope a speedy recovery before he died, despite not recognizing his authority and banning Roman Catholicism. It also issued a statement after his death, saying: “We express condolences for the passing of Pope John Paul II who died of illness.”

Meantime, it continued its persecution of the church, arresting Bishop Yao Liang on Thursday, and another priest,

Father Wang Jinling, on Friday, the Cardinal Kung foundation said. Both are in their 80s and come from Hebei province.

Christianity is expanding fast in China, but the only two churches officially allowed by the authorities are state-run – one notionally Protestant, one Catholic. In both, doctrine is determined by a committee approved by the Communist Party. As a result, many millions of people worship illegally in underground churches subject to constant surveillance and harassment. The Vatican estimates it has 10 million followers in China, double the number of members of the official Catholic church.

China was particularly suspicious of Pope John Paul II because of his association with the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. Nevertheless, prayers were said for the Pope in official Catholic churches yesterday, and a statement said China was “willing to ameliorate relations with the Vatican.”