VATICAN (SE): Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., bishop of Hong Kong, met with Pope Leo XIV on September 2 at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican for an in-depth exchange on the situation of the Church in China.
It marked their first substantial meeting since Cardinal Stephen participated in the conclave in May where Pope Leo was elected, and offered his congratulations to the new pontiff.
Reflecting on the encounter, Cardinal Stephen described the meeting as an opportunity to strengthen mutual understanding. “I was able to share with him my views on the life of the Church, particularly regarding the Church in China and in Hong Kong. This helped him gain a fuller picture and a better understanding of the current state of China-Vatican relations,” he said.
The cardinal observed that Pope Leo has consistently shown an openness to learning more about the Church’s situation in China and is receptive to different perspectives. “I am grateful that I could provide information from various sources, enriching his understanding of China. However, the Holy Father is not entirely unaware of the Church in China, as he has already gathered insights from multiple sources and through the Sino-Vatican agreement. He also has prior experience in the country, having visited the mainland once while he was the superior general of the Augustinian Order,” Cardinal Stephen said. “The Holy Father greatly appreciated the chance to meet and discuss these issues.”
Cardinal Stephen added that the pope intends to continue the direction set by Pope Francis in dealing with China. “He recognises the importance of dialogue between the Church and the mainland authorities, and considers respectful communication as the priority in addressing challenges in China-Vatican relations,” he affirmed.
Earlier this year, on May 25, Pope Leo publicly recalled the Day of Prayer for the Church in China, observed annually on May 24, entrusting the faithful of China to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
