austraLasia
1461
Widespread positive
reaction to news of China's new
cardinal
HONG KONG: 23rd January --
Cardinal-elect Zen will be only the sixth Chinese cardinal in the history of the
Church. He will be the only one of the two alive (Cardinal Shan, recently
retired in Taiwan, is the other) under the age of 80. Immediate reaction
to his nomination, especially in China, has been generally positive. The
People's Daily Online, however, has so far made no comment at
all.
AsiaNews reports on reactions in China, where as one
example of the reaction, unofficial Bishop Wei of Qiqihar, said "It is a great
joy. As soon as I heard the new I quickly phoned Hong Kong to congratulate
him in person". The new cardinal-to-be, put his own reaction in very simple
terms: "The Pope loves China". Bishop Zen had written to the Pope only
last month, offering his resignation once he turns 75 (next year). The
Pope replied to him by handwritten letter, and we now know at least some of the
contents of that letter! The cardinal-elect appreciated not only the
affection and warmth of the letter, but made one other telling comment about his
appointment: “This appointment is a mark of approval for what I have done so
far, a confirmation that we have not lost our bearings. The Pope knows all about
the positions we have taken. This decision is reassuring as well an indication
of support".
In what amounts to a litany of praise for the
new Cardinal and his contribution in that role to the Chinese Church, a
priest-researcher at the Holy Spirit Centre in Hong Kong says: "Zen is the best
candidate because he knows China, he is known among Chinese Catholics. He knows
the Chinese Catholic community better than any other; many of his students are
now priests and bishops across China. Zen can represent the voice of the Chinese
Church in the universal Church and with the Holy Father. He upholds the social
teaching of the Church. He has many copies of the Compendium of the Social
Doctrine of the church, which he distributes with enthusiasm. He has often
spoken out clearly on social justice and freedom of worship. He also knows the
Holy See, the universal Church; he has participated in various synods. He is a
worthy theologian. So he will bring benefits for the Chinese Church. He will be
able to further the process of evangelisation, of dialogue with Chinese culture
and of inculturation".
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