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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