Card. Gracias: the Church in Asia is hopeful and courageous

(Vatican Radio) Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Bishop of Bombay and President of the Federation of Asian Bishops on Sunday had the honour of announcing the venue and the date of the next Asian Youth Day: Indonesia in 2017.

Of course, because of his responsibility and even more, because of who he is, Cardinal Gracias – who is a close advisor of Pope Francis as the Pope chose him to be one of the 8 Cardinals on his especially appointed Council of Cardinal – has been deeply involved in the preparation and in the events of the 6th Asian Youth Day that has just concluded in Korea.

Speaking to Sean Patrick Lovett, Vatican Radio’s correspondent in Korea, Cardinal Gracias describes the excitement of the young people as they anticipated being with him, he reflects on the growing role of Asia and of the Church in Asia in the world, and he analysis the challenges and the strengths of the Church in India – his homeland – and across the continent.

Listen to the interview with Cardinal Oswald Gracias:

Cardinal Gracias speaks of the excitement and anticipation of the youth present for the Asian Youth Day as they awaited the arrival of Pope Francis in Seoul: “they came here to hear his message and to hear his challenge”.

And that’s what he did – says Cardinal Gracias – challenge the youth to go out and show the Gospel, to live the Gospel and communicate its message to others. And Pope Francis – he says – he is challenging us – all the Churches in Asia - to do the same.

Looking ahead to Pope Francis’ next major journey which will take him to the Philippines and Sri Lanka and to what appears to be a sort of a privileged attention to Asia, Cardinal Gracias said: “I think one must realize that Asia is becoming more and more the center of the world”.

“Asia had got 60% of the world’s population, more than half of Asia is young – it’s a young continent – it is becoming more and more important politically, economically, militarily (unfortunately)… you can see how the focus is gradually changing.”

These facts – he says – are important also for the Church as the Church has to reach out not only to Catholics and Christians bringing the message of the Gospel.

Cardinal Gracias says in many occasions during his conversations with the Pope, Francis has expressed much interest for Asia, its challenges and the hope it brings with it.

Cardinal Gracias also speaks of the diversity of the Church in Asia and also of some of the tensions, especially in India. He says however he is not unduly worried about the tensions and problems challenging the Church, but he says: “I think Asia can take them in its stride”.

“I’ve been to Vietnam and seen the great vibrancy of the Church there in spite of all the difficulties they have had; I have been to poor Churches and seen how excited people are about their faith” he said.

“I have never ever experienced a sense of depression, diffidence, self-defeat, in the Churches in Asia. The Church is confident, it is hopeful, it is courageous and it will go ahead” Cardinal Gracias said.