Seoul (Fides Service) - The first Korean-born Nuncio, papal representative to a certain country,
Paul Tschang In-am, ordained an Archbishop by Pope John Paul II in St Peter's in Rome on January 6, is about to start his mission in Bangladesh. Speaking of his new assignment the Archbishop said: "I am grateful to the Catholic community in Korea. Although I have lived outside my country for 18 years, I have never forgotten that I am a son of the Church in Korea and today I feel this all the more, now that God has called me to be a representative of the Holy See". This assignment, the Archbishop says : "is a special grace from God for the Church in Korea which in the past generated many martyrs."
In Bangladesh, where the new Nuncio will soon start his mission, there are about 300,000 Catholics, 0.2% of the population of 130 million. Muslims are 70%. "With this in mind my first task will be to promote inter-religious dialogue between Catholics, Muslims and Buddhists and to announce to all the Good News of Jesus Christ with respect for other religions". The Nuncio recalled that Bangladesh is one of the world's poorest countries and often struck by natural calamities. "I want to share Christ's love for all the people, through commitment in the fields of education and healthcare.". PA (Fides Service 24/1/2003)