Pope Francis urges Chinese Catholics to be ‘good citizens’

By Devin Watkins

As Pope Francis concluded Mass on Sunday in the Hun Theatre in the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar, he took a moment to invite two Chinese bishops to stand with him at the altar for a moment.

The Pope greeted Cardinal John Tong Hon, bishop emeritus of Hong Kong, and Cardinal-elect Stephen Chow Sau-yan, SJ, bishop of Hong Kong.

As he held up their hands, Pope Francis sent greetings to the “noble people of China” and wished “all the people the best.”

He encouraged the people of China to “strive ahead, always advancing.”

Turning to the faithful of China, Pope Francis invited Chinese Catholics to “be good Christians and good citizens.”

"These are two brother bishops, the emeritus of Hong Kong and the current bishop of Hong Kong. I would like to take advantage of their presence to send a warm greeting to the noble people of China. To all the people I wish the best. Strive ahead, always advancing. And I ask Chinese Catholics to be good Christians and good citizens... Thank you."

Pope Francis holds the Cardinal's and Cardinal-elect's hands

Visit to Mongolia

Pope Francis is making his 43rd Apostolic Journey abroad to the Asian nation of Mongolia.

Earlier on Sunday, he took part in an ecumenical and interreligious encounter with the religious leaders of Mongolia.

The Mass on Sunday was the final event of the day, and the Pope returns to Rome on Monday after meeting with several representatives of the Church’s charitable workers serving the people of Mongolia.