Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Santiago de Chile (Agenzia Fides) – Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone arrived in Chile yesterday, April 6, for an official visit on the occasion of the bicentennial anniversary of the nation. Upon his arrival, he was welcomed by the Archbishop of Santiago, Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz, the President of the Chilean Bishops' Conference, Bishop Alejandro Goic of Rancagua, Military Bishop Juan Barros, and the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto. Cardinal Bertone said that "the Pope is very close to Chile and has followed the tragic events experienced by this noble nation during the recent earthquake that severely damaged a large part of its territory. The Holy Father wishes to express solidarity with all Chileans, and prays to God above all for the dead, the wounded, and all those who have suffered in the damage caused by this terrible disaster."
Cardinal Bertone, who is an official guest of the Chilean government to commemorate the bicentennial, will be received today by President Sebastián Piñera and in the afternoon will go to Punta Arenas, where tomorrow he will celebrate a Mass in the Cathedral. The Vatican Secretary of State will remain in the city until Sunday, April 11, when he will preside over a Mass with the Bishops of Chile in Santiago, in the Metropolitan Cathedral. In his itinerary, there is also a conference scheduled at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile on the work of the Church in Chilean society during the last two centuries, with some historical notes on the relationship between Church and State," said the Cardinal.
During his visit, Cardinal Bertone will present the Church of Chile an image of the nation's patron saint, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, given and blessed by Pope Benedict XVI (see Fides 25/3/2010), which will make a pilgrimage to every diocese starting from the Chilean earthquake zone. "I will also give thanks to God for the 'Gospel of Chile' - Cardinal Bertone said on his arrival - a splendid initiative which involved the valuable contribution of many people and even the Pope wanted to be participate, writing the first verse." Regarding his visit to Punta Arenas, the Cardinal said he wanted to see "the places where the disciples of St. John Bosco arrived a century ago, as I am a Salesian” and he wanted to share in "the results of this work of evangelization and social development, in addition to its plans for the future." (CE) (Agenzia Fides 07/04/2010)
