Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong Invites Pope Francis to Visit Hong Kong

(CNA Hong Kong, June 26) Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, has invited Pope Francis to visit Hong Kong as part of his Asian tour, stating that the visit would be pastoral in nature, not diplomatic.

According to the latest issue of the diocesan newspaper Kung Kao Po, Bishop Chow, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, and Bishop Stephen Lee Bun-sang of the Diocese of Macau traveled to Rome in mid-June for their ad limina visit.

The report stated that during discussions on matters concerning the Church in China, the Pope inquired how Bishop Chow could assist, and Bishop Chow immediately extended an invitation for the Pope to make a pastoral visit to Hong Kong as part of his Asian itinerary.

Concurrently, Bishop Ha invited the faithful to pray for the Pope's pastoral visit to Hong Kong, expressing, "How great an honor and blessing it would be if we could celebrate Mass with the Pope in Hong Kong in the future."

The report mentioned that Pope Paul VI transited through Hong Kong for three hours in 1970, during which he presided over a Mass for tens of thousands at Hong Kong Stadium. Bishop Chow hopes that if Pope Francis's pastoral visit to Hong Kong materializes, "he can stay longer, ideally overnight."

He emphasized that the nature of the Pope's visit to Hong Kong would be pastoral, not diplomatic.

He also mentioned that the late Pope Benedict XVI had considered a pastoral visit to Hong Kong during his pontificate, and his wish was to visit the Minor Basilica of Our Lady Help of Christians in Sheshan, Shanghai, before coming to Hong Kong.

Furthermore, the report stated that Bishop Ha felt the Pope's concern for Hong Kong and Macau and his "deep understanding of issues concerning the Church in China." Bishop Chow remarked, "The current religious policy in mainland China is 'strict governance of religion,' but we hope for gradual relaxation in the future." (Editor: Chu Jian-ling) 1150626

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