Pope Feels Supported In Papacy

Keeps China In View

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INTROD, Italy, JULY 25, 2005 (Zenit.org).- During an impromptu meeting with journalists, Benedict XVI acknowledged the enormity of his role as Pope.

Before entering the church in Introd for a meeting with priests and deacons of the Diocese of Val d’Aosta, journalists asked him if the nearly three months of his pontificate have been difficult.

“In a certain sense, yes. I never thought of this ministry, but the people are very good to me and support me,” he said.

Asked if he feels Pope John Paul II by his side, he said: “He is always very close, either in his books or through his spiritual presence.”

China

When asked about China, Benedict XVI expressed his desire to see progress in the process of normalizing the country’s relations with the Holy See.

“We have hopes. We hope that the dialogue will progress,” the Holy Father said.

Beijing cut relations with the Holy See in 1951, expelling its apostolic nuncio.

China places two conditions before resuming relations: that the Pope not interfere in the religious situation of the country — among other things, that he not appoint the bishops — and that he sever relations with Taiwan.

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