Cardinal Joseph Zen Leaves Hong Kong to Attend Pope Francis’ Funeral Amid Ongoing Legal Challenges

Cardinal Joseph Zen Leaves Hong Kong to Attend Pope Francis’ Funeral Amid Ongoing Legal Challenges

Last Updated Apr - 24 - 2025, 03:43 PM | Source : Fela News

Hong Kong’s Cardinal Joseph Zen, 93, receives court approval to attend Pope Francis’ funeral in Vatican City, despite ongoing legal issues tied to his 2022 arre

Hong Kong’s outspoken Cardinal Joseph Zen has been granted permission to travel to Vatican City to attend the funeral of Pope Francis. The 93-year-old retired bishop departed Hong Kong on Wednesday night after successfully applying to the court for the return of his passport, which had been confiscated following his arrest under the Beijing-imposed national security law in 2022.

Zen, a vocal critic of the Vatican’s agreement with Beijing on bishop appointments, has accused top Vatican diplomat Pietro Parolin of lacking faith. Parolin, a key figure in China-Vatican negotiations, is considered a leading papal contender.

Zen had to follow court procedures to travel in 2023 as well, when he visited the Vatican for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s funeral and met Pope Francis privately. He intends to return to Hong Kong after the upcoming funeral, though his return date is uncertain.

Zen was arrested in 2022 on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces. Though no national security charges have been filed, he was fined for not registering a protest fund. His appeal is scheduled for December.

Cardinal Stephen Chow will also attend the conclave, highlighting efforts to improve China-Vatican relations.

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