AMERICA/VENEZUELA - Pontifical Mission Societies and Bishops’ Conference department for mission and indigenous people welcome Benedict XVI “Custodian of the Faith”

Caracas (Fides Service) - The Pontifical Mission Societies in Venezuela together with the Bishops’ Conference department for Missions and Indigenous Peoples have expressed gratitude to God that today there are people of adult faith ready to say ‘yes’ when Christ calls them to guide his Church. They join the universal Church to pray for the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI . “Amidst the immense challenges of the present day which threaten the faith, we pray and we feel reassured that we have a guardian and custodian of the faith”. The message sent to Fides by the national director of the PMS ends with thanks to God for the person, experience and faith of His Holiness Benedict XVI, entrusting the Pope to Mary, Queen of Missions, that his pontificate may be long and fruitful and they ask Benedict XVI to bless Venezuela and the missionary activity of the Church in their country. (R.Z.) (Agenzia Fides 27/4/2005, righe 13, parole 193)