Hong Kong: Heartfelt thanks to Benedict XVI for his love for China
(Vatican Radio) Below we publish the full text of a message from the Catholics
of Hong Kong for Pope Benedict XVI. Written by the Bishop of Hong Kong, Cardinal
John Tong, who was appointed by Benedict XVI, the letter focuses on the Holy Father’s
loving concern for Catholics throughout China.
Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict
XVI, the successor of St. Peter and head of the Apostles, has always loved the Church,
putting all his heart and energy into the pastoral service of the People of God. As
the Bishop of Hong Kong, I am especially thankful for his loving concern for the Church
in China. In 2007 he issued a Letter to the Catholics in China and established the
Commission for the Catholic Church in China. At the end of every meeting of that Commission,
he came to see the members in person and encouraged us. On February 10, one day before
he announced his decision to resign, he extended special greetings and a blessing
to people celebrating the Lunar New Year throughout the world, especially Chinese
people everywhere. In his words and deeds, the Holy Father has fittingly mirrored
the exchange between the Risen Jesus and Simon Peter: “Simon, son of John, do you
love me more than these others do?” “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” “Feed my
sheep.” (cf. John 21:15-17)
The Holy Father, Benedict XVI, is a man of fervent
prayer. In his statement announcing his resignation from the Petrine Ministry due
to his advanced age, he pointed out that he had finally made this serious decision
after a long period of prayer and extended reflection. He is deeply aware that in
order to fulfill his papal duties, he cannot rely on word and deed alone, but also
needs prayer. He entrusts the future of the Church to the Lord Jesus and to our Blessed
Mother. After he resigns, he will serve the Church wholeheartedly through prayer.
We express our heartfelt thanks to the Holy Father, Benedict XVI, for his guidance
and good example, and we will always pray for him.
We have profound faith
that both the resignation of the Holy Father, Benedict XVI, and the selection of his
successor, are in the wise hands of Divine Providence. May all of us Catholics in
Hong Kong pray for the smooth election of the next Pope. We firmly believe that the
incoming Pope will lead the Church according to the holy will of the Lord Jesus and
ecclesial tradition, and that he will continue the proclamation of the Gospel, to
bring salvation to the whole human race. This is also the objective of the Year of
Faith which we are now celebrating.
+Cardinal John TONG Bishop of
the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong February 12, 2013