Pope wants to visit China, but timing up to God
Pope Benedict yesterday expressed his wish to visit China but said the timing would be decided by God.
He also urged veteran Democrat Martin Lee Chu-ming to continue the fight for democracy in Hong Kong.
The Pope made the comments as he met newly elevated Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun and members of the Hong Kong delegation, including Mr Lee and Apple Daily boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, during an audience at the Vatican.
Hundreds of people from Hong Kong and elsewhere attended the audience in the Paul VI Auditorium, and family members and guests of the 15 new cardinals were invited to meet the Pope in person.
Mr Lai, who shook hands with the pontiff, said afterwards: 'I told him, 'Holy Father, please come to China and bring us love and democracy'. He replied: 'I will come'.'
Hong Kong Catholic Diocese vicar-general, Father Dominic Chan Chi-ming, said he also invited the Pope to visit China.
'The Holy Father said he wanted to come but God would decide when.'
Father Chan also assured the pontiff of the Hong Kong diocese's full support for Cardinal Zen and what he has been doing for the church in China.
The South China Morning Post first reported the Pope's wish to visit China on Saturday, relayed during an interview with Vatican Foreign Minister Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo.
Mr Lee yesterday said he urged the Pope to pray for religious freedom on the mainland.
'I told the Holy Father that Our Lady Mary once said to Jesus that they have no wine. Let's pray that she would say to him that they have no freedom in China,' Mr Lee said.
He said that when Cardinal Zen introduced him to the Pope, the head of the Catholic Church in Hong Kong described the Democrat as 'a legislator fighting for democracy in Hong Kong'.
'The Holy Father said: 'Do continue',' Mr Lee said.
Speaking after the audience, Cardinal Zen, who was expecting a private audience with the Pope later, said he also wanted a papal visit to Hong Kong.
'I am not a prophet and I certainly don't know whether he can come this year.
'Hong Kong is part of China and perhaps he should come here as a first step,' he said.
On his participation in the democratic movement in Hong Kong, the cardinal said he would continue his 'long-winded talks' on democracy. He is due to leave for Hong Kong today.
During his midday address in St Peter's Square on Sunday, Pope Benedict gave his encouragement to Christians who suffered for their faith in lands where religious freedom was lacking or restricted.
While the Pope did not specifically mention China, he said news of the strength of faith shown by Christians who suffered persecution reached him every day.
He said he was mindful of 'those communities that live in countries where religious freedom is lacking or, despite its affirmation on paper, subject to numerous restrictions'.
