New Pope praises Indian culture and Church, promises to visit the “great country”

New Delhi – Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, elected as the new Pope Benedict XVI on April 19 has praised the Indian Church, the “diverse and unique” culture of the nation and has conveyed his love and blessings to all Indians, according to Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil of Ernakulam–Angamaly.

The new pontiff personally conveyed his “message of love” to the cardinal who is the Major Archbishop of the Syro Malabar Church.

“[The Oriental Church is] a great missionary church in India,” the pontiff said. “Give my regards to everyone in the Syro Malabar Church.”

A great admirer of the Indian spirituality and “impressed by the unity in India’s diversity,” the new Pope has promised that he would definitely visit India soon. Pope gave his message of peace, love and prayers for Indians through Cardinal Vithayathil.

“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 works that the church is doing in the country,” the Pope told Cardinal Vithayathil when the latter congratulated the new pontiff on the success of his election.

According to Archbishop Daniel Acharuparambil of Verapoly, who was the rector of the Pontifical Urbanian University in Rome while Cardinal Ratzinger was the prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith, said that the new pontiff was “very particular that the uniqueness of Christ should not be compromised while making adaptations from Indian culture.”

“We had lots of discussions on Indian culture,” the archbishop said, adding, “Our new Pope believes that yoga, through meditation and contemplation, is the perfect health approach.”