ASIA/INDONESIA - “We pray the Lord will sustain the Holy Father at this time of suffering in his person”: says Catholic Bishop in Sumatra

Padang (Fides Service) - From Sumatra, affected by the tsunami disaster last December, Bishop Martinus Situmorang, OFM Cap, of Padang shares his thoughts with regard to the Pope’s health: “In our part of the world there is not much news with regard to the Pope’s present condition. But those of us who know that this is a difficult moment for Holy Father are praying for him and encouraging others to do the same. In fact a chain of prayer links homes, parishes and religious institutes. People are praying that the Lord will sustain the Holy Father and help him accept this additional suffering in his person. We also pray to God to guide the Church and give us the light necessary to live this moment in history. In Sumatra Christians are a small minority among a large Muslim majority. However the Pope in highly esteemed and respected also by Muslims as a person, a religious leader and as a champion of dialogue among all believers and among all men and women of good will”. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 25/2/2005 righe 21 parole 212)