VATICAN CITY • HONG KONG (SE): In an exclusive conversation via Zoom with the Sunday Examiner and Kung Kao Po following the historic conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Stephen Chow S.J. of Hong Kong shared his experience, the election process, and his hopes for the future of the Church under the new pontiff. From the unique environment of the Sistine Chapel to the challenges of bridging East and West, Cardinal Stephen offered insights into a time of discernment and transition for the Catholic Church.
Talking about the living conditions during the conclave, Cardinal Stephen said, “It wasn’t harsh.” Before the conclave officially began, he stayed in another community and participated in general congregations, a period marked by mutual sharing, reflection, and discussions on Pope Francis’s legacy.
Once the conclave commenced, they moved to the Domus Sanctae Marthae—the same residence used by Pope Francis. He felt that “everything was arranged to help us focus.”
The cardinals were subjected to strict security protocols to preserve the secrecy of the conclave. “They really blocked all Wi-Fi and broadcasts,” he recalled, adding that personal electronic devices, including smart watches, were locked away in a secure facility. The purpose, it seemed, was to minimise distractions and foster a spirit of collective discernment. “It helps discourage us from being influenced by the world outside during the process and taking too long to make a decision,” he quipped.
Cardinal Stephen emphasised that the general congregations held prior to the conclave played a crucial role in helping the cardinals reflect on the Church’s mission and the leadership qualities needed in the next pope. “We shared our evaluation of Pope Francis, his reforms, and his impact on the world,” he said.
It became clear that the Church needed continuity, someone who would carry forward his pastoral, reforming, and synodal direction. We were electing the successor of Peter, not the successor of Francis
Cardinal Stephen
“It became clear that the Church needed continuity, someone who would carry forward his pastoral, reforming, and synodal direction. We were electing the successor of Peter, not the successor of Francis,” he stressed. “Everyone is unique. It’s not right to find a copy.” What mattered most was discerning who could best lead the Church in the world in this time.
A lighter moment arose when Cardinal Chow recounted his earlier comment to America magazine about feeling a sense of safety going into the conclave. “I said my safety index was high because I’m a Jesuit and I have no Italian,” citing his lack of knowledge of Italian and Latin. Still, he pointed out that some cardinals from the peripheries do not speak either language and that the Church must increasingly consider global linguistic and cultural diversity.
He further emphasised that the Church needs to recognise other major world languages such as English and Mandarin/Putonghua, especially if it seeks to expand its missionary outreach into the peripheries.
Impressions of Pope Leo
While Cardinal Stephen admitted he did not personally know Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost—now Pope Leo—before the conclave, he said, “The general impression is that he is low-key, affectionate, real listener, a good pastor and a bridge builder.” The cardinal was particularly moved by Pope Leo’s openness to cultural diversity and his knowledge of China, having visited the country before. “He is not a stranger to Chinese culture,” Cardinal Stephen said. “He listens. And he respects.”
The general impression is that he is low-key, affectionate, real listener, a good pastor and a bridge builde … He is not a stranger to Chinese culture … He listens. And he respects
Cardinal Stephen
In a symbolic gesture, Cardinal Stephen gifted the newly elected pope a statue of Our Lady of Sheshan, as a symbolic request not to forget the Chinese Church and the Chinese people. The cardinal mentioned he learned this from John Cardinal Tong Hon, the former bishop of Hong Kong, who did something similar when Pope Francis was elected in 2013. The gesture was warmly received. It’s a bridge-building mission, and we in Hong Kong share that mission.”
The pope, in his very first address, described his role as a ‘bridge-builder between the global North and South.’ “But he’s not ignoring East and West either,” Cardinal Stephen said.
Synodality, inclusivity, and the road ahead
The cardinal expressed joy that Pope Leo’s first public address emphasised synodality and inclusivity—two pillars of Pope Francis’s reform agenda. “There were people who wondered if synodality would disappear with a new pope, but it’s clear that Pope Leo wants us to move forward with courage and audacity.”
Inclusivity isn’t about agreeing with every stance. It’s about empathetic listening and understanding before making judgments
Cardinal Stephen
The Diocese of Hong Kong, he explained, has already formed an ad hoc committee to promote synodal development. “This is a learning process,” he said, “and we must implement it in the context of our local realities.” Each diocese has different realities and issues. We need to implement synodality in our own context and learn from one another.”
He also welcomed Pope Leo’s reference to inclusivity. “This is about being Church for everyone—especially the marginalised,” not only through grand declarations but by the daily work of parishioners and pastors. “Inclusivity isn’t about agreeing with every stance. It’s about empathetic listening and understanding before making judgments.”
The cardinal cautioned, “We should not judge solely based on media reports. They often serve specific agendas. True understanding requires direct experience and personal encounter.” He called for the Church to approach all marginalised groups with compassion and respect, without necessarily agreeing on all issues. “We need to hold each other with love, not condemnation.”
Looking ahead, Cardinal Stephen remains hopeful that the Diocese of Hong Kong, with its unique position, can play a key role in helping Pope Leo and the Church engage more meaningfully with Asia, especially China.
He concluded with a pastoral reminder of Christ’s mission: “Jesus came not just for the righteous, but for all. Compassion doesn’t mean compromising our values—it means loving the person as they are.”
