Cardinal Bo: Papal visit will create renewed zeal and sense of faith
In an interview with the Vatican media, Charles Cardinal Bo insisted that the upcoming Papal visit to Asia and Oceania would create a renewed zeal and sense of faith.
“The coming of the Pope to Asia creates not only excitement but also a renewed zeal for the faith and gives the Asian people a renewed sense of the faith because it demonstrates that the Asian peoples are not far from the mind and heart of the Pope,” the president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), Cardinal Bo highlighted.
FABC president explained that many Asians only hear about the Pope and can see him with the help of digital media but for most of the people, the Pope is somewhat “distant”.
“There is excitement among the people not only because they get to see the Pope in person, but I am sure there will be a renewal in the life and faith of the local Churches,” Myanmar Cardinal said.
The Papal visit to Asia and Oceania, (Indonesia, Singapore, Timor-Leste, and Papua New Guinea) on September 2-13, 2024, will mark Pope Francis’ 45th Apostolic Journey to abroad.
“The uniqueness of Asia is its diversity, in terms of cultures, religions, and traditions. While Christians are a minority in most countries of Asia, except the Philippines and Timor-Leste, we see a growing faith,” Archbishop of Yangon, Cardinal Bo, remarked.
He insisted that the Asian Churches are small but vibrant and alive.
“Whether rich or poor, majority or minority, the faith of the people remains steadfast despite the diversity of challenges faced in the different countries,” Myanmar Cardinal continued.
The cardinal said that many of the Asians who migrate to other countries keep their faith alive and they are our missionaries to these ancient Churches. They bring a renewed hope and zeal to these “new homes” of theirs.
The FABC president highlighted, “In Asia, we learned to collaborate, dialogue, and respect each other. But most of all, we have learned how to co-exist as brothers and sisters despite the hardships.”
He insisted, “I believe the pathways of peace and harmony through dialogue is what Asia can offer to the Universal Church.”
Concerning the climate and care for the environment, Cardinal Bo invites, “We can no longer be bystanders but have to be actively involved in the promotion of climate care for the common good of all. The Church in Asia must also be a protagonist in bringing about this change in the region and in the world.”
Pope Francis visited to Myanmar on November 26-30, 2017.
- with input from Vatican news
