Colombo (AsiaNews) - There is nothing final, but it is certainly a "great joy" to know that Pope Francis wants his next foreign trip to be to Asia, this according to Fr Benedict Joseph director of the Social Communications Centre of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Sri Lanka, who spoke to AsiaNews about statements the Pope made yesterday to reporters during his flight home to Rome from Rio de Janeiro.
On the plane, Pope Francis mentioned "invitations from the Philippines and Sri Lanka". Nothing definitive, but " I think a trip to Asia can be done, especially because it's a continent Benedict XVI did not get to, though he wanted to". It is something important.
Considering the possibility of a visit to the former Ceylon, Fr Benedict also mentioned the pope emeritus as well.
"During his pontificate, Benedict XVI had expressed a desire to set up an International Studies programme [in Sri Lanka] for theology students and wanted to be present at the opening ceremony. Construction of building is now almost complete. To us, this is a happy coincidence, and if Pope Francis wants to come for the inauguration, we shall look forward to welcoming him."
However, nothing has been finalised, the priest noted, either by the bishops of Sri Lanka or the Vatican.
"There are some formalities to go through in order to invite the Pope," he explained. "Firstly, the authorities of the local Church must work out an agreement with their government. Once, this is done, the Bishops' Conference must issue a formal invitation to Holy Father, who will evaluate its various aspects and give a final answer. "
At present, although the Bishops' Conference wants Pope Francis to visit, "it has yet to consult with the government. It will take time to get things done."
"This country has emerged from a long war, and a visit Holy Father would be very important for our people. And for all of Asia." (GM)