ASIA/SRI LANKA - Pope's visit confirmed

Colombo (Agenzia Fides) - Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo, during a meeting with the priests of the Archdiocese of Colombo, confirmed the Holy Father' visit in Sri Lanka, scheduled from 13 to 15 January 2015. As Fides learns, the Cardinal asked the priests present to inform the faithful in parishes and Catholic institutions that the Pope's trip will take place, and encouraged the faithful to pray for his visit.
The Archbishop informed that the Episcopal Conference and the Holy See are working on the details and that the program will be defined during the preparatory visit of a Vatican delegation in Sri Lanka in early November. In recent weeks, he said, the Bishops discussed with relevant government authorities on safety measures to be implemented.
In recent days, there have been doubts and concerns about the Pope's visit, given the presidential election in the country will be held soon and current President, Mahinda Rjapaksa could set them for January, so in the days immediately before or after Pope Francis’ visit. The Church asks the vote to be postponed at least to the end of January 2015, to avoid any kind of exploitation. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 29/10/2014)