Pope Discusses Chinese Martyrs

VATICAN, Oct. 2, 00 (CWNews.com) - One day after the canonization of 120 Chinese martyrs, Pope John Paul II discussed their witness once again as he met with a group of pilgrims at the Vatican.

Speaking to a group of Chinese Catholics who had traveled to Rome for the canonization ceremonies, the Pope said that the occasion should be understood as «a real honor for the noble people of China.»

The Pontiff spoke of his delight in knowing that «all the faithful of mainland China are intimately united on this occasion-- knowing, as you know, that in the martyrs they have not only an example to follow, but also intercessors before the Father.»

The Pope continued: «We really need their help, because in daily life we are called to show the same zeal and the same fidelity that the martyrs showed in their own time.»

Speaking also to pilgrims from the European countries which had sent missionaries to martyrdom in China, the Pope expressed regrets that today's «partial and not at all objective» view of history saw the late-19th-century conflicts between China and Europe purely in terms of imperial quarrels. He urged believers to recognize that the martyrs, regardless of their personal stake in such political disputes, should be «seen in their glory, and cause us to thank God for using poor instruments for the glorious work of salvation.»

The Pope also took the opportunity to praise the memory of Father Matteo Ricci, the Italian Jesuit who was among the first missionary priests to enter China in the 16th century. Father Ricci's appreciation for Chinese cultural traditions helped to spark the «battle of the rites» after his death. But the Pontiff noted that the Italian Jesuit was a model of «profound and respectful intercultural dialogue.»

Catholic World News Service - Vatican Update