Pope Sends New Year’s Greetings To The Chinese, Koreans And Vietnamese

Pope Benedict XVI extended his greetings to “the various peoples of the Far East” that are today celebrating the Lunar New Year, in particular the Chinese, Koreans and Vietnamese.

He also sent “a special greeting” to the Catholics of those countries.

He did so when, speaking from his study window in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, he addressed thousands of pilgrims from many countries who had gathered in St Peter’s Square to pray with him and receive his blessing at midday on this sunny but cold Sunday.

The 85-year old pope reminded them that today, February 10, “Various peoples of the Far East are celebrating the Lunar New Year.”

He recalled that “peace, harmony and thanksgiving to Heaven are the universal values that are celebrated on this happy occasion” and said these same values “are desired by all for the building of their own family, society and nation.”

“I wish that the aspirations of these peoples for a happy and prosperous life can be fulfilled”, he added.

He went onto extend “a special greeting” to the Catholics in those countries, praying that “they may let themselves be guided by the wisdom of Christ in this Year of Faith”.

Though the Pope did not mention any one country, it was clear that he was referring in particular to the Chinese, the Vietnamese and Koreans as well as their compatriots who are living and working in many foreign countries across the globe, including Italy. In all some 1.5 billion people worldwide celebrate the Lunar New Year today; that is, about one in four of the world’s inhabitants.

The Chinese celebrate the Lunar New Year in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and in many other places, including Rome, where there are sizable Chinese communities. There is a long standing tradition that people celebrate this festival in the family home, with their families. In China and elsewhere, people travel great distances to join their families for this happy annual festival.

The lunar calendar follows a 12-year cycle with 12 animals representing each year, in this order: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Last year was the Year of the Dragon, it ended at midnight with the arrival of this New Year – the Year of the Snake.