On October 24, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI received in audience the Bureau of the “Ricci Dictionary Association” which manages the rights and development of the Dictionary compiled and edited by the Jesuits of the Chinese Province for more than 50 years. Admiring the copy offered to him as a gift, the Pope described the Dictionary as an “historical monument.” He listened with much pleasure to the explanations provided by Mr. Claude Haberer on the role of cultural bridge played by the Dictionary, as for instance at an exhibit that took place at the Shanghai Library retracing the history of Jesuit lexicography from the Jesuits’ earliest days in China till the publication of the Grand Ricci. [[The Pope encouraged the team to continue in the same way. Benoit Vermander accompanied the delegation, and offered the Pope a copy of Renlai magazine as well. All participants were introduced to the Pope by Cardinal Etchegaray, who helped organize the audience and introduce the endeavor in various councils of the Curia.]]

        On October 25, 2007, Fr. Vermander, S.J., and the delegation had lunch with Fr. General, who emphasized the importance he attaches to the cultural apostolate in China.