(Vatican Radio) Archbishop Paul Gallagher said on Thursday that Pope Francis is a great admirer of the perennial Japanese wisdom and has a special place in his heart for the Church in Japan and in the whole of Asia.
The Vatican Secretary for Relations with States was addressing participants at a Symposium that commemorates the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Japan.
Addressing a full auditorium which included the Rector of the Gregorian University, which is hosting the symposium, as well as the Ambassador and members of the Japanese Diplomatic Corps, Archbishop Gallagher reflected on the long-standing bonds of friendship and collaboration between the Holy See and Japan.
He recalled the special tie that exists between the Company of Jesus and the “Empire of the Rising Sun” and the fact that the first missionary to set foot on Japanese soil was the Jesuit, Saint Francis Xavier.
He also spoke of Pope Francis’ admiration of Japanese culture and wisdom and said that – on his behalf – he renews “the Apostolic See’s commitment to accompany the development of the Church in Japan (…) and at the same time continue to collaborate with the Japanese Authorities in building an authentic culture of peace, even in today’s difficult and complex international setting”.
Source: radiovaticana.va
