Bishop says Bangladesh Church happy about Pope Francis

19 April, 2013 - "The Catholics and the Church of Bangladesh are very happy about Pope Francis. Ours is a minority community in a Muslim country and the Pope's words about a poor Church for the poor, supports us in our ministry and in our lives as Christians". Bishop Sebastian Tudu of Dinajpur made the remark to AsiaNews regarding the election of Pope Francis in the middle of the current Year of Faith. Bangladesh’s first Santal tribal bishop noted that Pope Francis’ approach to the Church as the centre of our lives and the Church means the people, not just the structure. He appreciates the Holy Fathers advice to priests and religious to be close to the people, care for and love them. The tribal bishop heading Dinajpur Diocese since Jan. 2012, said this means going back to the real needs of the Church. Bangladesh’s some 170 million people are 89.5% Muslim, with Catholics forming a miniscule 0.1%. (Source: AsiaNews)