HONG KONG, APRIL 27, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Hong Kong’s bishop said he hopes Benedict XVI “will continue to dispel the shrouding clouds of error” in a world riddled with relativism.
In a message to the faithful published on his diocese’s Web page, Bishop Joseph Zen Ze-kiun expressed his joy over the papal election.
“We prayed with great confidence that the Holy Spirit would inspire the cardinals to choose a Pope according to the will of God,” wrote the Chinese prelate. “Our hearts were ready to welcome any new Pope, irrespective of his nationality, age or background, because in our faith he is the Vicar of Jesus Christ on earth.”
But “with the election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI, I think we have a special reason to be happy,” he acknowledged.
“As prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Ratzinger was, for many years, Pope John Paul II’s right-hand man in the staunch defense of the integrity of faith and truth,” Bishop Zen wrote.
In electing Cardinal Ratzinger, the Chinese bishop said, the cardinals “wanted to solemnly reaffirm their gratitude for the leadership of John Paul II. They also wanted to solemnly reaffirm their desire for the Church to march in the same direction as he has already been guiding us.”
“The biggest problem in the world today is relativism,” he added. “People treat faith and truth according to the principles of the market economy and democracy. We hope Benedict XVI will continue to dispel the shrouding clouds of error and let the splendor of truth shine on us.”
