Beijing Prelate Thanks Pope

BEIJING, SEPT. 24, 2007 (Zenit.org).- In his first public statement after his episcopal ordination Friday, Archbishop Joseph Li Shan said, "I want to thank the Pope."

Archbishop Li began his ministry in the ancient Saint-Savior Church, saying that he wanted to visit all the parishes and meet the faithful of the archdiocese, AsiaNews reported.

The archbishop also said in a homily Sunday that it is urgent for all the Catholics of Beijing to live a sense of mission in their environments, since Chinese society is looking for spiritual values. He further urged that priests and laypeople be united in this effort.

ZE07092403 - 2007-09-24