As cardinals from around the world gather in Rome to elect the next successor of St. Peter, one familiar face will be there — not to cast a vote, but to bear witness.
Ninety-three-year-old Cardinal Joseph Zen of Hong Kong, though no longer an elector due to his age, has arrived in the Eternal City. His presence at this crucial moment in the life of the Church is not a formality. It is a reminder. A reminder of fidelity. A reminder of the persecuted Church. A reminder of the cost of discipleship.
For years now, Cardinal Zen has been one of the most prominent voices defending the Church in China, especially the underground Church that has remained loyal to the pope under intense pressure. In 2018, the Vatican reached a provisional agreement with the Chinese government regarding the appointment of bishops. While the full terms remain unpublished, the deal was intended to unify the government-controlled “patriotic” Church with those Catholics who had endured decades of surveillance and imprisonment for refusing to compromise their faith.
Rome called it a step toward healing. Cardinal Zen called it a betrayal.
He didn’t say this to grandstand or create scandal. He said it because he knows the faithful. He’s walked with them. He’s buried their dead. He’s comforted their families. For him, this isn’t about politics — it’s about souls.
Arrested by Hong Kong authorities
In May 2022, Cardinal Zen was arrested by Hong Kong authorities for his support of a humanitarian fund tied to pro-democracy activists. Under a Beijing-imposed National Security Law, he was accused of “collusion with foreign forces.” Following his arrest, Cardinal Zen was released on bail, but his passport was confiscated, restricting his ability to travel.
In November 2022, he and five others were found guilty of failing to properly register the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund as a society, a requirement under Hong Kong law. Each was fined HK$4,000 (approximately US$512). Although he was ultimately convicted on this lesser charge, the symbolism of his arrest was stark: Even a cardinal of the Church was not beyond the reach of an increasingly repressive regime.
It was a moment that shook many of us. But not him. He emerged from detention still smiling, still praying, still pleading with the Church not to forget her children in China.
And now, here he is in Rome.
When Pope Francis died April 21, Cardinal Zen petitioned the Hong Kong courts for a temporary release of his passport. The court granted his request, allowing him to travel to Rome for the pope’s funeral and to be present during the initial days of the conclave. It is a small legal mercy, but one that allows him to stand once again with his brother bishops at a moment of tremendous consequence for the Church.
A witness of courage to the conclave
Cardinal Zen won’t enter the Sistine Chapel. But his witness will accompany those who do. His courage speaks to the kind of shepherd we need — a man who will not shrink before the powers of the world but who will bend low in service of Christ’s little ones.
We do not know what direction the conclave will take. But we do know this: The Holy Spirit works in unexpected ways, often through those who are not in power, who hold no vote, and who have no voice — except the voice of the Gospel.
That is what Cardinal Zen brings with him to Rome. That is what he offers to the Church. And for that, we thank God.
May his example strengthen the faithful everywhere who still worship in secret, who still long for unity with Rome, and who still suffer for the Holy Name of Jesus.
And may it strengthen us too.
