Hong Kong (AsiaNews) Mgr Joseph Zen, Bishop of Hong Kong, wrote a message of congratulations for the election of the new Pontiff Benedict XVI.
In it, the Bishop warns against a relativistic society, in his view the gravest problem of the modern world. Here is the full text:
Alleluja!
We prayed with great confidence that the Holy Spirit would inspire the cardinals to choose a pope according to the will of God. And the fact that the Conclave of Cardinals was able to reach a consensus so quickly has only added surprise to joy.
Our hearts were ready to welcome any new pope irrespective of his nationality, age or background, because in our faith he is the Vicar of Jesus Christ on earth.
But now, with the election of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI, I think we have a special reason to be happy. As the Prefect of the Congregation for Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Ratzinger was, for many years, Pope John Paul II's right-hand man in the staunch defence of the integrity of faith and truth.
The cardinals, in electing Cardinal Ratzinger, wanted to solemnly reaffirm their gratitude for the leadership of John Paul II. They also wanted to solemnly reaffirm their desire for the Church to march in the same direction as he has already been guiding us.
The biggest problem in the world today is relativism. People treat faith and truth according to the principles of the market economy and democracy. We hope Benedict XVI will continue to dispel the shrouding clouds of error and let the splendour of truth shine on us.
"Lord, you have the words of eternal life, to whom else should we go?" (John, 6: 68)
Joseph Zen Ze-kiun
Bishop of Hong Kong