Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Addis Abeba (Agenzia Fides) - Archbishop Berhaneyesus D. Souraphiel CM Metropolitan Archbishop of Addis Abeba, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Ethiopia sent the following message expressing solidarity with the Holy Father. Unfortunately although the message is dated 19 January, it only arrived this morning.
“ I will like to express my indignation of the way our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, has been treated by a few docents and students of the Sapienzia University of Rome. I feel very close to Our Holy Father who is the Vicar of Christ and Universal Shepherd of the Catholic Church all over the world.
The few persons of Sapienzia University should be ashamed of their lack of knowledge of the great contribution of the Catholic Church for modern university education all over the world including in the establishment of the Sapienzia.
The Holy Father has encouraged us to establish a Catholic University here in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia, knowing it will serve persons of all faiths, race, and views without discrimination, but all searching together for the truth.
We would be honoured and would feel proud if our Holy Father were to come to our university to address us ! Tomorrow, we shall celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ here in Ethiopia which follows the Oriental Rite. We will feel very close to Our Holy Father with all Catholics gathered in St. Peter's square tomorrow and all over the world”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 24/1/2008 righe 18 parole 335)
