POPE ASSURES CATHOLIC FAITHFUL IN CHINA OF HIS PRAYERS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 1, 2000 (VIS) - Just prior to praying the angelus with the pilgrims who had gathered in St. Peter's Square for Mass and the canonization of 123 Blesseds, including 87 of Chinese origin and 33 missionaries to China, Pope John Paul greeted all those present in several languages.

Speaking English, he "greeted with affection all the faithful gathered here to honor the Chinese martyrs, especially those of you of Chinese origin, who are seeing for the first time the canonization of martyrs belonging to your own people.

"Likewise, my thoughts reach out to all the Catholic faithful in China. I know that you are spiritually united with us, and I am certain that you understand that this is a special moment of grace for the whole Church and for the entire Catholic community in China. I wish to assure you once more that I pray for you every day, May the holy martyrs comfort and sustain you as, like them, you bravely and generously bear witness both to your fidelity to Jesus Christ and to your genuine love of your people."

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