Catholics in Bangladesh see Pope Francis as a new leader of peace
by Sumon Francis Gomes
Some Catholics pray for Pope Francis, hoping he might soon visit Bangladesh. His "simple and loving" way of life, "of respect for others", is an important sign. Every word or deed "raises our spirits, pushing us to live like Jesus."

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - Pope Francis will be a leader who can bring peace and truth to the world, strengthening the legacy of the Second Vatican Council, this according to some Catholics in Bangladesh, who have directed their prayers to him "so that he can always reaffirm the teachings of the Church."

According to John Sarkar, a lay Catholic, "each of the pope's step or word raises our spirits, pushing us to live like Jesus, trying to live in harmony in our society."

For Fr Hemonta Rozario CSC, principal at Notre Dame College, when Pope Francis said during Palm Sunday Mass that "Jesus entered Jerusalem to be crucified on the Cross, to show the way to Paradise," the Holy Father "wanted to open the eyes of non-believers, especially those who have lost their faith in Jesus, to invite them to experience religion once more."

"The pope's way of life is an important sign," said, Molly Shishilia Costa, who teaches in a missionary school. "He is a simple person, full of love and respect for everyone. We hope that, like Saint Francis, he will visit many countries. We hope he will come to Bangladesh to bless us in person."