ASIA NEWS REPORT
by Eugenia Zhang
News of the Pope’s resignation provokes "shock" and "disbelief". China and the territory pray for his health. Card. Tong asks for prayers for Pope Benedict XVI and the future pope. John Tong will be the first Hong Kong Cardinal to participate in a conclave.
Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - After a moment of "disbelief", the Catholics of Hong Kong and mainland China have decided to launch public and private moments of prayer for the Pope and the election of the new pope.
News of the Pope's resignation arrived in the Chinese world in the middle of the festivities for the Lunar New Year. Hong Kong government offices are closed until February 13. Yesterday, however, the Office of Social Communications of the diocese issued a statement. It highlights the "heavy heart" with which the diocese has accepted news of Benedict XVI's resignation, because of his failing strength.
The Pope's resignation will be effective from February 28 at 20 hours (CET). "Today - the press release states- is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the universal Church will pray for the sick, and let us pray for the Holy Father".
The statement recalled that the card. John Tong of Hong Kong asks all Catholics in the diocese to pray in a special way for the election of the new pope. "This is the Year of Faith, and Catholics ought to show their faith and trust in the Almighty that God will continue to guide and bless the Church to overcome all kinds of difficulties".
Notices for places and times for public meetings of prayer will be published as soon as possible.
In Mainland China, Catholics told AsiaNews that they were shocked by the news and could not believe it was true in the beginning. But a Catholic said: "We thank the Pope for serving the Church so long. We'll pray for his health."
A priest said: "This pope is a great example for all, as his act of stepping down has taught us the meaning of sacrifice and emptiness of power. One can give up power, to be like Christ to sacrifice for others to overcome death in order to live".
Card. Tong will be the first Chinese cardinal in Hong Kong to participate in a conclave. At 73, he will be one of the cardinal electors of the future pope in the conclave to be held in March. Card. Tong received his red hat from Benedict XVI on January 6, 2012. He was also named as one of the presidents of the Synod on the New Evangelization, held in the Vatican last October.
Card. Joseph Zen, bishop emeritus of Hong Kong, has just turned 81 years of age. He may participate in meetings preceding the conclave, which reflects on the needs of the Church and on the quality of the future pope, but he does not have the right to votw and can not participate in the conclave.
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by Eugenia Zhang
News of the Pope’s resignation provokes "shock" and "disbelief". China and the territory pray for his health. Card. Tong asks for prayers for Pope Benedict XVI and the future pope. John Tong will be the first Hong Kong Cardinal to participate in a conclave.
Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - After a moment of "disbelief", the Catholics of Hong Kong and mainland China have decided to launch public and private moments of prayer for the Pope and the election of the new pope.
News of the Pope's resignation arrived in the Chinese world in the middle of the festivities for the Lunar New Year. Hong Kong government offices are closed until February 13. Yesterday, however, the Office of Social Communications of the diocese issued a statement. It highlights the "heavy heart" with which the diocese has accepted news of Benedict XVI's resignation, because of his failing strength.
The Pope's resignation will be effective from February 28 at 20 hours (CET). "Today - the press release states- is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the universal Church will pray for the sick, and let us pray for the Holy Father".
The statement recalled that the card. John Tong of Hong Kong asks all Catholics in the diocese to pray in a special way for the election of the new pope. "This is the Year of Faith, and Catholics ought to show their faith and trust in the Almighty that God will continue to guide and bless the Church to overcome all kinds of difficulties".
Notices for places and times for public meetings of prayer will be published as soon as possible.
In Mainland China, Catholics told AsiaNews that they were shocked by the news and could not believe it was true in the beginning. But a Catholic said: "We thank the Pope for serving the Church so long. We'll pray for his health."
A priest said: "This pope is a great example for all, as his act of stepping down has taught us the meaning of sacrifice and emptiness of power. One can give up power, to be like Christ to sacrifice for others to overcome death in order to live".
Card. Tong will be the first Chinese cardinal in Hong Kong to participate in a conclave. At 73, he will be one of the cardinal electors of the future pope in the conclave to be held in March. Card. Tong received his red hat from Benedict XVI on January 6, 2012. He was also named as one of the presidents of the Synod on the New Evangelization, held in the Vatican last October.
Card. Joseph Zen, bishop emeritus of Hong Kong, has just turned 81 years of age. He may participate in meetings preceding the conclave, which reflects on the needs of the Church and on the quality of the future pope, but he does not have the right to votw and can not participate in the conclave.
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