Chow gives boost to reconciliation hopes
- On his elevation to cardinal, the head of the Hong Kong Catholic diocese, Stephen Chow Sau-yan, has renewed calls for peace in a divided society and pledged to reach out to mainland China
The elevation of the head of the Hong Kong Catholic diocese by the Vatican is good news for followers. It also comes with some words of wisdom as the city puts behind its troubled past and raises hopes for better development and cooperation with mainland China on the religious front.
Newly appointed cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan is the fourth to hold such a position in Hong Kong, after late John Baptist Wu Cheng-chung, Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, 91, and John Tong Hon, 83. The promotion is not only in recognition of Chow’s commitment and services, but also the importance of Hong Kong as a bridge between the Holy See and China.
The 63-year-old was named head of the Catholic diocese two years ago following the death of Michael Yeung Ming-cheung in 2019, making him one of the youngest bishops since the appointment of the first Chinese prelate in 1969. Meeting the media after the appointment of 21 cardinals by Pope Francis, a humble Chow said it felt like a mission was given to him by God through the pontiff.
Indeed, the position comes with a great sense of responsibility. Earlier, Chow said he would seek to unify through active dialogue, referring to the 2019 social unrest that has divided Catholics and wider society.
On Monday, he again renewed calls for reconciliation and peace. “I think Hong Kong should have more reconciliation, so Hong Kong people can have a chance to take a break, reconcile and calm down … This will require the cooperation of many parties,” he said.
Chow reiterated that it would be crucial to give young people hope, particularly those who had committed offences. His messages are not just the aspirations of the church, but wider society as well.
While we should learn from the past, there must also be hope in the future. This helps heal the divide and makes moving forward easier.
There are also hopes that better religious ties with mainland China may follow. Chow’s appointment came after he paid a five-day visit to Beijing in April, the first by a senior Catholic clergyman from Hong Kong since reunification.
Evidently, more needs to be done before the Vatican and Beijing can come closer. It would be good for the city to contribute to better exchanges and relations.
