Vatican City, Jun 27, 2008 / 14:46 pm
This morning, Pope Benedict XVI expressed his desire to welcome more bishops from mainland China to the Vatican soon. His prayer for the visits occured during a meeting with bishops from the Chinese dioceses of Hong Kong and Macao on their “ad limina” visit.
These two particular Churches, said the Holy Father, are "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."
One of the most pressing needs for the Church in the two dioceses is “adequate ongoing formation of the clergy," the Holy Father said. This will help to address the “rapid changes in the social and cultural conditions” of society and also aid the “'new evangelization' which constitutes the essential and pressing task of the Church.”
The Pope then turned to Catholic education and its contribution to Chinese society. "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."