God has spoken to us powerfully in the last few weeks: CBCI President

New Delhi – In a recent press issued by Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo, president of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) and the archbishop of Ranchi, the cardinal has said that “both the events, the funeral of His Holiness Pope John Paul II and the election of Pope Benedict XVI, have left lasting impressions on the minds of millions of people through out the world.”

“The election of the new Pope in a short span of time is a sign of unity of the Church in the whole world,” he said. “As described by many, Pope Benedict XVI is an intellectual giant and yet a very humble and simple person. I am happy to say that the Church has been given a shepherd after the very heart of God himself.”

“Pope Benedict XVI is also interested in India. I had the opportunity to meet His Holiness Benedict XVI three times,” the cardinal continued. “I am proud to say that on all three occasions, Pope Benedict XVI showed keen interest in India and its rich heritage.”

“God speaks to us through events and He has spoken to us powerfully in the last few weeks,” the cardinal continued. “The passing away of our beloved Pope John Paul II and the election of Pope Benedict XVI are the two events through which God has spoken to us.”

“We who believe in Jesus have seen what God has done for his people,” he said. “Pope John Paul II spoke to the world much more in his death than perhaps in his whole life. He attracted the whole world and especially the young people who were always close to his heart wherever he traveled in the world. The enormous number of people present for the funeral of Pope John Paul II was a clear testimony of his love for his people.”

Commending the media that played an important role in “reaching the message of His Holiness Pope John Paul II to millions of people who could not be physically present for his funeral in Rome,” Cardinal Toppo was proud that “India with its rich and diverse religious traditions, rose up to the occasion to pay its best tributes to Pope John Paul II by sending an official delegation to attend his funeral.”

“India along with many other nations recognized Pope John Paul II as a man of God and that is heartening for the Church in India,” he concluded.