Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - "I am very happy that the College of Cardinals elected Benedict XVI. I believe this was the working of the Holy Spirit of which we were the instruments. I am convinced the Church will be safe under the leadership of Benedict XVI. He will do things differently compared to his predecessor, but certainly in continuity with John Paul II” Cardinal George Pell, archbishop of Sydney told Fides. "In Australia young Catholics especially are happy because they realise that like Pope John Paul II, Benedict XVI will give special attention to the pastoral care of youth who are the hope of humanity by preaching to them the pure Gospel of Christ. Our country is on the outskirts of Asia but the culture is European and for the main challenges to the faith it is like Europe. I think Benedict XVI knows well the open questions facing Catholics today in the present day culture. And I am certain that with Benedict XVI to guide her the Church in the third millennium will find the right paths to face the problem of de-Christianisation. Certainly situations differ. In Italy there is a return to practising the faith and reception of the sacraments and here on this newest of the continents we are called to follow this example and work for new evangelisation". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 25/4/2005 righe 23 parole 234)
