Cardinal welcomes new challenges

by ROWENA OREJANA
Wellington Cardinal John Dew said he is looking forward to the challenges that his two new roles in the Roman Curia will offer.
Cardinal Dew was appointed by Pope Francis to be a member of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples and of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.
“I’m pleased to have been appointed to the to the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples and the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity. Cardinal Soane Mafi and I have both been appointed
to the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, which will be good for the Oceania region,” Cardinal Dew said.
He pointed out that the bishops conferences that are part of the Oceania Federation of Bishops
Conferences all come under this congregation (except for Australia) with respect to liaising with the Holy See.
“The fact that two cardinals from Oceania have been appointed certainly means the voice
of this region is much stronger.
This also follows Cardinal Tom Williams’ involvement in the congregation some years ago for
a substantial period of time,” Cardinal Dew explained.
As for his appointment to the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity, Cardinal Dew is no stranger to the role.
“I think that here in New Zealand, my brother bishops, priests, religious and lay people are all doing great work in this area and promoting ecumenism in local and national initiatives. I, and my brother bishops, regularly meet with our counterparts from various Christian denominations, and I’m sure these experiences will be of value to me in this work globally,”
he said.
Cardinal Dew will remain based in Wellington as its archbishop.
“Although this new work will mean some travel overseas to meetings, much of my own work
will be done here,” he said.
Cardinal Mafi of Tonga was also named a member of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, which
promotes and coordinates Catholic charitable giving.