Pope to Chinese ahead of New Year: Be acrobats of peace and fraternity
The meeting with a delegation from the National Federation of Italy-China who brought the Dragon, the Lion and traditional arts to the Vatican halls. Pope Francis' wish: "May you all take bold risks on the path of dialogue".
Vatican City (AsiaNews) - An audience with a delegation from the Italy-China National Federation - an organisation that has been promoting economic, political and cultural exchanges between the two countries for ten years - this morning was an opportunity for Pope Francis to immerse himself in the dances and gestures of Chinese tradition, on the eve of the Lunar New Year.
Some artists from the Chinese Martial Arts Academy of Vercelli, in particular, brought the colours of the Dragon and the Lion to the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, even symbolically having the pontiff paint the Llion's eye in an image.
The meeting was an opportunity for Pope Francis to reiterate his affection for the Chinese people and their culture. "Congratulations for what you have done, for this art, so beautiful," he said addressing the artists.
It was from these images that he drew his best wishes in view of the upcoming New Year, which in China will be celebrated on 10 February.
"Folk dances inspired by the Lion and the Dragon," he noted, "in the tradition of the noble Chinese people are meant to express the wish that the New Year will be fruitful and full of good. Acrobats, as we know, are specialised in daring exercises and shows, let us say 'high risk'; observing this acrobatic dance, then, I wish you all to always be able to take risks on the path of dialogue, becoming 'acrobats of peace and fraternity'".
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02/01/2023 13:29
