Lorenzo Li

The Bishop of Shanghai, under house arrest, publishes a prayer on the occasion of the last day of the Year of Snake. The Church celebrates the Chinese New Year by wishing "wisdom" to national leaders and "good health" for Pope Benedict XVI and retired to his successor Francis. A Catholic wishes bishop Ma may be released in the year that bears his name.

Many believers view the bishop's reflection on the papal encyclical as his "first pastoral letter". He has been under house arrest since July 2012. A priest is ordained in the Diocese of Shanghai, but the ordaining bishop came from Haimen. The faithful call for Mgr Ma's release.