Pontiff Hopes to See Chinese Bishops in Rome

VATICAN CITY, JUNE 27, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is waiting for the day when the bishops of mainland China will visit the See of Peter.

The Pope said this today upon receiving the bishops of the Chinese dioceses of Hong Kong and Macao at the conclusion of their five-yearly visit.

Hong Kong and Macao are the two special administrative regions of China, and are allowed govern themselves with a high degree of sovereignty.

"I hope and pray to the Lord that the day will soon come when your brother bishops from mainland China come to Rome on pilgrimage to the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul, as a sign of communion with the Successor of Peter and the Universal Church," Benedict XVI said. "I willingly avail myself of the occasion to send to the Catholic community of China and to all the people of that vast country the assurance of my prayers and my affection."

The Pontiff also encouraged the two dioceses to "continue your contribution to the life of the Church in mainland China, both by offering personnel for formation purposes and by supporting initiatives in the field of human promotion and assistance."

He continued, "In this regard I cannot but recognize the invaluable service which the charitable organization Caritas of both dioceses has offered to the needy with such generosity and professionalism.

"We must never forget however that Christ is also for China a teacher, pastor and loving redeemer. The Church must never allow this good news to remain unspoken."

Look forward

"Your two particular Churches," Benedict XVI told the bishops, "are also called to be witnesses to Christ, to look forward in hope and to announce the Gospel facing up to the new challenges that the people of Hong Kong and Macao must embrace."

"The Church's mission is taking place today in the context of globalization," he continued. "I observed recently that the forces generated by globalization hold humanity suspended between two poles.

"On the one hand are the many social and cultural bonds which tend to promote attitudes of worldwide solidarity and shared responsibility for the good of mankind. On the other hand, there are worrying signs of fragmentation and individualism dominated by secularism which pushes the transcendent and the sense of the sacred to the margins and eclipses the very source of harmony and unity of the universe.

"The negative aspects of this cultural phenomenon draw attention to the need for a solid formation and call for concentrated efforts aimed at supporting the spiritual and moral ethos of your people."

Formation

The Pope urged the bishops to pay special attention to the ongoing formation of the clergy, and more specifically with regard to "young priests confronted with new pastoral challenges arising from the task of evangelizing a society as complex as today's."

Speaking of Catholic education, the Pontiff affirmed, "Catholic schools offer an important contribution to the intellectual, spiritual and moral formation of the new generations. This crucial aspect of personal growth is what motivates Catholic parents, and those from other religious traditions, to seek out Catholic schools."

Benedict XVI added that it is of "great importance to be close to students and to their families, to watch over the formation of the young in the light of Gospel teaching and to follow closely the spiritual needs of all who form part of the school community."

"The Catholic schools of your two dioceses have given significant impulse to the social development and cultural growth of your people," he said. "Today these educational centers face new difficulties; be assured that I am with you, and I encourage you to ensure that this important service will never fall by the wayside."

Movements

"In your mission as pastors, draw confidence from the Paraclete who defends, counsels and protects," the Pope said. "Encourage the faithful to welcome all to which the Spirit gives birth!

Citing his address to the 2006 meeting of movements, the Pope restated that ecclesial movements and new communities are a "luminous sign of the beauty of Christ and of the Church his Bride."

The Holy Father added: "I exhort you to support the movements with great love because they are one of the most important new realities fostered by the Spirit in the Church in order to put into practice the Second Vatican Council.

"I pray too that the movements themselves will make every effort to harmonize their activities with the pastoral and spiritual programs of the dioceses."