Pope Francis’ much awaited exhortation on the Pan-Amazonian synod will be released on Feb. 12.

“I hope the supplies could reach where they are needed as soon as possible, so that people who are suffering the disease could feel the concern from the Holy See,” Father Han told the Global Times. “The whole world is standing together to fight the virus.”

“The pope is an Argentinian concerned for his fatherland and for his people. He loves the Argentinians very much.”

Francis has known him since 2006, when as archbishop of Buenos Aires he heard about his work with street children and drug addicts and contacted him.

Francis has shown a great interest in Iraq and its people that have suffered so much since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.

He succeeds Cardinal Angelo Sodano, 92, who was dean for almost 15 years.