天亞社編按：教宗八月十八日從韓國返回義大利，在空中接受記者提問，論及與中國。美國耶穌會已有逾一百年歷史的周刊《America》隨機記者吉拉．奧康奈爾（Gerard O'Connell）紀錄的文字版本，獲教廷確認為官方版本。由於此話題受到華人讀者極大關注，本社將記者會的這一組問答翻譯成中文，以饗讀者。
記者：我的問題是關於中國。中國允許您飛越它的領空。您[往韓國途中]發送的電報沒有受到負面評價。您認為這是往可能的對話方向邁進嗎？還有是，您希望到中國嗎？
隆巴迪神父介入：我可以告訴您，我們這一刻正飛越中國領空。所以這問題相當適時。
教宗：當我們[前往韓國途中]正要進入中國領空之時，我是在駕駛艙裡與飛行員一起，而其中一人給我看記錄儀，並說：「我們還有十分鐘就進入中國領空，我們必須要求授權。」每個[航班]都需要作出請求。這是很正常的事，要向每個國家要求[授權]。然後，我聽到他們如何要求授權，他們又如何回答。我是看著這事發生。飛行員接著說：「我們發送了電報」，但我不知道他們是怎麼做的。
然後我離開了他們，回到我的座位，接著我為美麗和高尚的中國人民作了很多祈禱。我想到中國的偉大智者，我想到科學和智慧的歷史。而因著利瑪竇神父，我們的耶穌會士在那裡也有歷史。所有這些事情湧進了我的腦海。
我希望到中國嗎？當然！明天！
我們尊重中國人民。教會只要求對它的任務、它的工作享有自由。沒有其他條件。
不過，我們不應忘記教宗本篤十六世就中國的問題向中國人[教友]所發出的那封十分重要的信函。這封信與今天切實[相關]。它是切實的。重讀它是好事。
教廷一直對接觸持開放態度。一直如此。因為它對中國人民持有一份真正的尊重。
英文版本：
Q. My question is about China. China allowed you to fly over its airspace. The telegram that you sent [en route to Korea] was received without negative comments. Do you think these are step forward towards a possible dialogue? And have you a desire to go to China?
Father Lombardi intervenes: I can inform you that we are now flying in the airspace over China at this moment. So the question is pertinent.
Pope Francis: When we were about to enter into the Chinese airspace [en route to Korea], I was in the cockpit with the pilots, and one of them showed me a register and said, 「We’re only ten minutes away from entering the Chinese airspace, we must ask authorization.」 One always asks for this. It’s a normal thing, one asks for it from each country. And I heard how they asked for the authorization, how they responded. I was a witness to this. The pilot then said, 「We sent a telegram,」 but I don’t know how they did it.
Then I left them and I returned to my place and I prayed a lot for that beautiful and noble Chinese people, a wise people. I think of the great wise men of China, I think of the history of science and wisdom. And we Jesuits have a history there with Father Ricci. All these things came into my mind.
If I want to go to China? For sure! Tomorrow!
We respect the Chinese people. The church only asks for liberty for its task, for its work. There’s no other condition.
Then we should not forget that fundamental letter for the Chinese problems which was the one sent to the Chinese by Pope Benedict XVI. This letter is actual [relevant] today. It is actual. It’s good to re-read it.
The Holy See is always open to contacts. Always. Because it has a true esteem for the Chinese people.
【完】來源：《America》，天亞社編譯。