ASIA/HONG KONG - Cardinal Chow: Pope Leo has been to China several times and is familiar with Chinese culture and reality

Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) – Before becoming Successor of Peter, Robert Francis Prevost “visited China several times and got to know the Chinese culture and reality.” This is what Jesuit Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan, Bishop of Hong Kong, said in a video interview with Kung Kao Pao, the weekly newsletter of the Diocese of Hong Kong, following the election of Pope Leo XIV.

The video interview is published on the diocesan bulletin website (周守仁樞機盼襄助教宗 落實共議同行 陪伴弱小者 | 本期公教報 | 天主教香港教區週報). Furthermore, Cardinal Chow recounts: “As Cardinal John Tong, Bishop Emeritus of Hong Kong, did in the past when he brought a statue of Our Lady of Sheshan to Pope Francis, following his example, I too gave a small statue of Our Lady of Sheshan to the new Pope, imploring him not to forget the Church in China and the Chinese people. He nodded his head to indicate that he will not forget the Church and the Chinese people,” the Jesuit cardinal added. “I believe he will gladly continue the direction followed by Pope Francis…”

Bishop Stephen Chow was created a Cardinal in the consistory of September 30, 2023, along with then-Archbishop Prevost.

Cardinal Chow has also expressed his desire to assist the Pope, especially in giving a voice to the weak. He trusts that the Pontiff “will take into account the multicultural nature of Asia. He has visited China on several occasions and has learned about its culture and reality. And he is said to share Pope Francis’ approach to China, which includes communication and dialogue.”

“Pope Leo XIV is the man the cardinals considered good for the Church and for the world.” And with great joy, “the cardinals have elected a Pope who willingly listens.” Looking to the future, Cardinal Chow reiterated his "desire to collaborate in the Pope's mission," starting with "Hong Kong, where, together with the laity, we will accompany above all the marginalized and the weak, listening to their difficulties and cries, as the new Pope does." (NZ) (Agenzia Fides, 19/5/2025)

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