VISIT OF HIS EXCELLENCY ARCHBISHOP CORDES

TO THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA

(11 - 18 January 2000)

 The President of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum", His Excellency Archbishop Paul Josef Cordes, will be in the Republic of China from 11 to 18 January 2000.  It is foreseen that he will visit the people suffering from the earthquake of 21 September 1999, which devastated the area around Taichung.  To all, the Archbishop will assure them of the solidarity of the Holy Father, bringing the special greetings of His Holiness to the approximately 300,000 Catholics of the Island.

  The programme of the Archbishop Cordes also foresees his being conferred with a "honoris causa" Degree in Literature from the Fu Jen Catholic University in Taipei, which will be presided at by His Eminence Cardinal Paul Shan, President of the Chinese Regional Episcopal Conference.  During the Ceremony, the President of  "Cor Unum" will deliver an address on inculturation, one of the central themes of the recent Synod of Bishops for Asia.

  Archbishop Cordes is responding to an invitation of the President of the Republic of China, Dr. Lee Teng-hui, who will confer on him the "Order of the Brilliant Star" in recognition of the work undertaking by the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum" throughout the world, in favour of human and Christian development of people, and of various Catholic Organisations engaged in working in this area.

  The trip is another expression of the universal dimension of the commitment of the Church, a work that the Holy Father in these years continues to carry out himself.

  

Vatican City, 10 January 2000