ASIA/CHINA - Papal Letter made public: first reaction of a priest in Beijing: “we are immensely grateful to Pope Benedict XVI , his religious teaching will help us walk with confidence on the path of authentic evangelisation”

Beijing (Agenzia Fides) - “I have a sense of immense gratitude to the Pope and relief”: this was the first reaction of a local Catholic priest in Beijing with regard to the Papal Letter addressed to the members of the Catholic Church in China. The priest told Fides: “Each one of us must take the time to read and meditate this Letter drawing from it over the years. I have not read it yet but I think the Papal Letter must be a sort of Guide, a manual helpful for all, to be kept at hand. The very first words are very touching. Thank you, Holy Father! Thank you for the attention and affection expressed with this Letter. I also say that the Letter comes as a relief because I teach religion and the Holy Father's Letter will help us walk with confidence on the path of authentic evangelisation. For a long time we have wished for clear instructions for Catholic in China and at last our Holy Father, the Shepherd of the universal Church has heard our plea and sends us the comfort of his word. Now it is up to us to read it carefully and put it into practice as we continue to pray for Pope Benedict XVI and the Church in China.” (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 30/6/2007 - righe 19, parole 195)