In an exclusive interview with America Magazine, Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., bishop of Hong Kong, offered profound insights into the global Synod on Synodality. In his interview with Gerard O’Connell, America’s Vatican correspondent, at the Jesuit Curia in Rome on October 28, the day after the Synod concluded, Cardinal Stephen reflected on the synod’s transformative potential for the universal Church and its specific implications for Hong Kong and the broader Chinese Catholic community. America published the full interview on December 3
Synod reflections:A roadmap for the 21st century
Having participated in both sessions of the synod in 2023 and 2024, Cardinal Stephen described his experience as enriching yet bittersweet. “We’ve been working, laughing, and sharing,” he remarked, noting the bonds formed among participants, particularly those from Asia. The challenge now, he said, is translating the synod’s vision into reality: “How do you make synodality a growing reality?”
While Pope Francis opted not to issue an apostolic exhortation, the cardinal underscored the weight of the synod’s final document, which he described as “a very rich roadmap.” Each paragraph of the document was voted on and approved by synod delegates and offers steps towards creating a synodal Church—one characterised by discernment, accountability, and greater inclusion of the laity.
Discernment, accountability, and lay involvement
Cardinal Stephen highlighted discernment as one of the document’s most impactful themes. Often misunderstood as ambiguous, discernment was framed in the synod as a dynamic process rooted in tradition and tailored to local contexts. “The final document gives the components for discernment,” he said, adding that it serves as a guide for communities navigating complex decisions.
Accountability was another major emphasis. The cardinal welcomed this as a step toward a more transparent and participatory Church where the voices of the laity are integral to decision-making. Women, in particular, received significant attention in the final document. While the question of women’s diaconate remains open for further study and discernment, the cardinal observed a growing recognition of women’s contributions to the life of the Church.
Young people and Catholic education also figured prominently in the synod’s discussions. Cardinal Stephen noted that education was initially absent from the working document but was successfully incorporated after advocacy by synod participants. “Through Catholic education, we affect a lot of lives and form young people,” he said, emphasising its role in shaping future generations of faithful leaders.
Accountability was another major emphasis. The cardinal welcomed this as a step toward a more transparent and participatory Church where the voices of the laity are integral to decision-making. Women, in particular, received significant attention in the final document
Healing and renewal in Hong Kong
For Hong Kong, Cardinal Stephen sees the synod’s message as particularly urgent. “We have our wounds that we need to heal,” he admitted, referencing the social and political tensions that have divided the city in recent years. Healing, he believes, begins with listening—empathic, self-emptying listening that fosters trust and dialogue.
Such an approach is not limited to interpersonal relationships but extends to the city’s broader social fabric. “We need to recover our confidence,” he said. “Not arrogance, but self-confidence rooted in dialogue and mutual respect.” By reclaiming its identity through shared understanding and collaboration, Hong Kong can forge a new path forward, one that reflects hope and resilience.
Lessons for China and the Sino-Vatican relationship
The synod’s emphasis on listening and trust also holds valuable lessons for China’s relationship with the Vatican. Cardinal Stephen acknowledged the cultural and political differences that complicate dialogue but remained optimistic about the potential for mutual understanding. “Both parties need to have more trust with each other,” he said.
While the synodal model may not align seamlessly with Chinese traditions, the cardinal sees it as an invitation for both sides to engage in deeper conversations. He expressed hope that the Holy Spirit’s presence in the synod could inspire greater openness and collaboration, even in challenging contexts.
By reclaiming its identity through shared understanding and collaboration, Hong Kong can forge a new path forward, one that reflects hope and resilience
Addressing polarisation in a divided world
Beyond its implications for Hong Kong and China, Cardinal Stephen framed the synod as a counter-witness to a polarised world. He described the global landscape as marked by nationalism, individualism, and division—a reality the synod seeks to address by emphasising collaboration and mutual respect.
“This is the footprint of the Holy Spirit,” he said, praising Pope Francis’ leadership in guiding the Church toward unity. The synod’s inclusive approach, which allows local Churches to adapt its principles to their unique circumstances, reflects the pope’s vision of a diverse yet cohesive global Church.
Moving forward: the challenge of synodality
As the Church embarks on the synodal path. For Hong Kong, this means fostering healing and rebuilding a sense of community. “The self-image is recovered when we can listen and talk together,” he said, emphasising the importance of dialogue in restoring trust and unity.
At the same time, he recognised the need for flexibility in implementing synodal principles. “We move at different speeds because there are different contexts,” he noted, highlighting the importance of respecting cultural diversity within the global Church.
Cardinal Stephen framed the synod as a counter-witness to a polarised world. He described the global landscape as marked by nationalism, individualism, and division—a reality the synod seeks to address by emphasising collaboration and mutual respect
A timely call for renewal
Reflecting on the broader significance of the synod, Cardinal Stephen described it as a timely intervention of the Holy Spirit. At a moment when the world seems increasingly divided, the synod offers a vision of hope and renewal. “This synod was timely,” he said. “I see this as the intervention of the Holy Spirit through the Church.”
For the cardinal, the synod’s message is clear: the Church must listen, heal, and journey together. Whether in Hong Kong, China, or the global community, the path forward lies in embracing the principles of synodality—principles that challenge divisions, foster unity, and reflect the Spirit’s transformative power.
As the Church moves into an uncertain future, Cardinal Stephen’s reflections remind us of the enduring call to witness the Spirit’s work in the world. Through dialogue, trust, and collaboration, the synodal path offers a way forward for the Church and all who seek healing and hope in a divided world.
