Bangkok Cardinal: ‘Pope’s visit a blessing for the nation’

Among the many welcoming Pope Francis to Thailand, is Cardinal Michael Michai Kitbunchu, the former Archbishop of Bangkok. Speaking to Vatican Radio he says the first visit of a Pope, that of Pope Saint John Paul II in 1984 to Thailand, was a blessing. 36 years from then, Pope Francis’ visit, he says, will also be a very important event in the history of the Church in Thailand as it commemorates the coming of the first missionary 300 years ago.  He also expresses his hope that the Pope’s visit will create understanding among people of different nationalities living in the nation.