As China opens to the rest of the world, how are you reaching out to members your faith group there? A special commission was made up of members of the Roman Curia and experts on China. The Holy Father participated in their final meeting which resulted in the production of his "Letter to the Bishops, priests, consecrated men and women and lay faithful of the Catholic Church in the People’s Republic of China" on the feast of Pentecost 2007. In it, he refers to the fact that he is continuing the efforts which were made by Pope John Paul II. He addresses the numerous difficulties which have affected the life of the Church in China. The Holy Father expresses his deep affection for the entire Catholic community in China. While expressing great joy for the fidelity demonstrated by the faithful in China over the past fifty years, Pope Benedict reaffirms the inestimable value of their sufferings and of the persecution they endured for the Gospel. He makes an earnest appeal to all for unity and reconciliation. He indicates that he is aware that full reconciliation "cannot be accomplished overnight". He then recalls that this path "of reconciliation is supported by the example and the prayer of so many ‘witnesses of faith’ who have suffered and have forgiven, offering their lives for the future of the Catholic Church in China". He also invokes their mission to be evangelizers in the present specific context of their country. He expresses his respect and deep sympathy for the great Chinese people. He said again that he was ready to engage in dialogue with the Chinese authorities, in the awareness that normalization of the life of the Church in China is essential. That, he said, presupposes a frank, open and constructive dialogue with these authorities. He concluded with the assurance of his constant prayer and affection for the Church in China. The letter was very well-received. |