ASIA/CHINA - “I hope the new Pope will follow in the footsteps of John Paul II with special concern for peace, the poor and relations between China and the Holy See ”

Rome (Fides Service) - A Chinese priest from Beijing presently in Rome studying said this about the election of Pope Benedict XVI : “We are very happy for the election of the new Pope. Speaking as a Chinese Catholic I would say that his nationality is not important because he is chosen by the Holy Spirit, the important thing is to have a Pope to shepherd the Universal Church. Of course we all hope the new Pope will follow the footsteps of Pope John Paul II, his concern for peace, the poor, and especially relations between China and the Holy See. We Catholics of China are part of the universal Church. Studying here in Rome I have the impression that the universal Church must do more to reach out to China, make more contact, help us to increase our formation and knowledge and to grow in the faith. I am pleased by the name chosen by the new Pope, Benedict. I have received much help from Benedictine monks so the name is familiar to me”. (Fides 19/04/2005 Righe: 17 Parole: 179)