Hong Kong was without a bishop for almost two years, but now the Pope has appointed 61-year-old Jesuit Fr. Stephen Chow to lead the diocese.
Until now Fr. Chow served as Provincial of the Society of Jesus in China.
This is an important appointment, since Beijing will interpret it as being symbolic of the tone Pope Francis is setting with China.
FR. STEPHEN CHOW, S.J.
Bishop-elect of Hong Kong
“Hong Kong is a place I really love. My birthplace and the place where I've grown up.”
Fr. Chow's first mission will be to build unity among Hong Kong's Catholics. They are currently divided between those calling for the Church to take a tougher line with Beijing in defending religious freedom, and others who would prefer to keep a lower profile.
Hong Kong's Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, and Jimmy Lai, a businessman who has become one of Beijing's most outspoken critics, are both Catholics.
Defending religious freedom is a highly sensitive issue.
FR STEPHEN CHOW, S.J.
Bishop-elect of Hong Kong
'Unity in plurality. We have to respect plurality, which is the reality. And we all have to learn to respect plurality.'
'I think religious freedom is a basic right. When I speak to the government, I hope to encourage them not to forget the importance of religious freedom.'
Fr. Stephen Chow will be ordained a bishop on Dec. 4, to give the Jesuits time to name a new Provincial to succeed him. Meanwhile, Cardinal John Tong will continue to govern the diocese.
CARD. JOHN TONG
Apostolic Administrator of Hong Kong
'Under his rule, may our diocese serve the Church and society with wisdom and love.'
Fr. Chow faces a difficult mission in a sensitive part of the world where political and religious challenges are the order of the day.
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