This article was first published on December 5, 1970

By Staff reporters

A red letter day for Hong Kong Catholics

The 73-year-old pontiff, looking fit in spite of his strenuous Asian tour, responded warmly. At times he stretched out his arms in a symbol of loving embrace, at others he blessed the crowds gathered to see him.

He seemed especially pleased by the spontaneous gaiety of the greeting which 20,000 Catholic children gave him at the Happy Valley Racecourse to which he was taken by helicopter after his arrival at Kai Tak.

Message of love

In spite of the drizzle and a cold wind, he asked for the closed top of the car to be opened. He then stood up so that the children could see him.