Former Vatican representative in Hong Kong to head Evangelization of Peoples

The former representative of the Vatican study mission in Hong Kong, Archbishop Fernando Filoni, who is currently the deputy secretary of state in the Vatican, has been named as the new prefect of the Congregation for Evangelisation.

The Italian-born diplomat has a lot of experience in dealing with China. In his position in the study mission in Hong Kong from 1992 to 2001, he acted as a link between the Holy See and the official and unofficial Church communities in the Mainland. Several Church observers believe he is a highly suitable choice to head the Vatican congregation, which oversees and coordinates the worldwide mission activities of the Church.

Archbishop Filoni 'knows China and understands the Vatican well. At this very important moment, we are expecting many things from him' UCA news quoted an observer. “His study mission experience has made him familiar with the difficulties in political and Church matters and he knows many Chinese bishops and priests personally.

As prefect of the Congregation for Evangelisation, he will supervise the work of the Church in mission territories. The prefect of this pivotal congregation is sometimes known as the Red Pope, because of the enormous influence he has over the appointment of bishops, particularly in Asia and Africa.