Pope Benedict XVI to visit India NEW DELHI, April 23, 2005: Pope Benedict XVI has promised to visit India, Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil of Ernakulam said Friday. The new pontiff, who has special love for the Indian church, praised the country's culture and sent his blessings for the entire population, the Indian Catholic News Service (ICNS) quoted Vithayathil as saying. "The new Pope has also promised that he would definitely visit India," Vithayathil said.
"He (Benedict XVI) is a great admirer of Indian spirituality. He is impressed by India's unity in diversity," said the cardinal, who was among the 115 cardinals who chose Joseph Ratzinger as the new pope. I give my blessings and prayers to every Indian. India is a great country. I am happy at the growth of the church and the wonderful work that the church is doing in the country," the Pope told Vithayathil. Vithayathil, also the Major Archbishop of the Syro Malabar Church, added that the Pope had sent special regards to "everyone in the Syro Malabar church". The Indian church is divided into three rites - Syro Malabar, Malankara and Latin. Apart from Vithayathil, Cardinals Ivan Dias (Mumbai) and Telesphore Placidus Toppo of Ranchi were in the cardinal college to elect Ratzinger as the 265th pontiff of the 1.1 billion Roman Catholics. -IANS http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newsid=15095&newstype=local UPCOMING EVENTS IN KUWAIT: MAY BALL 2005 Organized by Goan Welfare Society (GWS)-Kuwait Date: 12th May 2005, Venue: Safir Palace Hotel, Riggea Band: Stepping Stones Highlights: Crowning of the MAY QUEEN 2005. Enjoy the Goan hospitality at its best. Gulf-Goans e-Newsletter http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/gulf-goans/ http://www.goa-world.com/
