Colombo (AsiaNews) - Although from a distance, the Catholic community in Sri Lanka celebrated Mass "together" with Pope Francis for the beginning of his pontificate. The Archdiocese of Colombo, in fact, yesterday organized a special liturgy at the same time as the one celebrated in St. Peter's Square. Hundreds of people - men, women and children - flocked to the church of St. Mary's in Bambalapitiya, a district of the capital, to celebrate and express their love for the new Pope Francis.
"I am very happy that Francis is the new pope", Vineeta Fernando, an elderly lady of the parish of Nugegoda told AsiaNews. "I heard everything he has done for the people of his country, as a priest, bishop and cardinal. I'm convinced that the Pope will serve the entire Catholic community worldwide with love and understanding. "
As a sign of love and respect for Pope Francis, all the churches, parishes, homes and Catholic institutions inside and outside Colombo were adorned with white and yellow flags. Archbishop Joseph Spiteri, Apostolic Nuncio in Sri Lanka, concelebrated the Mass in Bambalapitiya along with many priests of the archdiocese. "Pope Francis - he said in his homily - reminds us that we all have different responsibilities in our lives and in the Church, but we are united in Christ. We must walk together as a people of God, serve one another, pray for one for the other. "
Christians in Sri Lanka (mostly Catholics) represents 6.2% of a population of 21.5 million people. The majority religion is Buddhism (69.1%), followed by Islam (7.6%) and Hinduism (7.1%). Card. Malcolm Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo and President of the Bishops' Conference of Sri Lanka, was one of the 115 cardinal electors of this Conclave.
