Mumbai (AsiaNews) – Indian Catholic leaders have expressed "joy" for the "great recognition" given to their community with Pope Benedict XVI's decision on Saturday to appoint the archbishop of Mumbai, Card Ivan Dias, to the post of Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples.

According to Fr Anthony Charangat, editor of Mumbai's archdiocesan weekly The Examiner, Cardinal Dias is the right man for the job. "His Eminence is conversant with other cultures, has a vast experience in Africa as well as knowledge about the infant Church in other places. He also knows the Asian Church and people at the grass root level. This will enable him to enrich the Church, especially in her missionary vision and zeal."

For Mgr Oswald Gracias, chairman of the Bishops' Conference of India, Cardinal Dias' appointment recognises "India's fundamental place in the universal Church. Along with our prayers, Cardinal Dias will bring to Rome the rich heritage of cultures and traditions of the Church in India, where the faith has always been defended."

John Dayal, who heads the All India Catholic Union, stressed that the cardinal's appointment confirms "India's strong contribution to evangelisation".

"Indian lay people are honoured that an Indian has been put in charge of the evangelisation of peoples," he said.