Muslims Glad To Greet Pope

«God Really Loves Us If He Sends Us the Pope,» They Said

BAKU, MAY 22, 2002 (ZENIT.org-Fides).-«God really loves us if he sends us the Pope,» a Muslim lady kept repeating to Father Daniel Pravda, Superior of the Catholic Mission in Azerbaijan.

The Vatican missionary agency «Fides» spoke on the phone to Father Pravda. The stadium will host the Papal Mass on Thursday May 23. «Everyone is so excited about this long awaited visit. People are pleased, they regard it as a great honor that the Pope is coming to visit the country. Everyone, whatever their religion, believers and non-believers, see the visit as a blessing from heaven.»

As preparations become feverish, the weather is also quite warm, about 70-80 degrees F. «The final touches are being given, everyone is moving, there is growing enthusiasm. The stadium is fully booked; every available pass has been distributed. We are trying to increase its seating capacity,» Father Pravda told «Fides.»

ZENIT - The World Seen from Rome
22. mai 2002