EUROPE/AUSTRIA - Missio Austria: Commitment for peace and justice, always necessary, was particularly important for John Paul II and so it will be for Benedict XVI

Vienna (Fides Service) - “With all those involved in missionary activity I express great joy for the election of the new Pope Benedict XVI” national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Austria - Missio Austria - F. Leo M. Maasburg said in a message to Fides. “In the universal Church and in missionary activity the announcement of concern for the poor is of fundamental importance. This commitment is one of the essential tasks which the Lord entrusted to his Church and indeed the option for the poor is also option for Christ” the national director underlined. “Commitment for peace and justice, always necessary, was particularly important for John Paul II and so it will be for his Successor”. (MS) (Agenzia Fides, 21/04/2005 - 12 righe, 146 parole)