What's happened
As the Vatican prepares for the conclave to elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis, Cardinal Stephen Chow of Hong Kong emphasizes the importance of dialogue between the Church and China. Meanwhile, retired Cardinal Joseph Zen, a vocal critic of the Vatican's agreement with Beijing, participates in the proceedings amid ongoing tensions.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
- Conclave Dynamics: The conclave, set to begin soon, will see 135 cardinals under 80 voting for the next pope. Cardinal Chow's participation highlights the Vatican's ongoing efforts to engage with China, despite internal dissent.
- Zen's Influence: Cardinal Zen's presence at the conclave, despite his criticisms of the Vatican's China policy, underscores the complex relationship between the Church and its members in China. His past arrest under Hong Kong's national security law adds a layer of urgency to his advocacy for pro-Vatican Catholics.
- Geopolitical Implications: The Vatican's delicate balancing act with China reflects broader geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Taiwan's status. The Vatican remains one of the few states recognizing Taiwan, complicating its diplomatic relations.
- Future of the Church: The next pope will inherit a Church facing significant challenges, including internal divisions and external pressures from state authorities in China. The direction taken by the new pontiff will likely impact the Church's global standing and its relationship with China.
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post reports on Cardinal Chow's remarks about the Vatican-Beijing agreement, emphasizing the need for dialogue. In contrast, The Guardian highlights Taiwan's diplomatic concerns regarding representation at the papal inauguration, reflecting the geopolitical stakes involved. Zen's criticisms, as noted by AP News, reveal the internal Church conflicts regarding the Vatican's approach to China, while The Independent provides context on Zen's past and his ongoing influence within the Church.
How we got here
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, after a stroke, prompting the upcoming conclave. The Vatican's agreement with China regarding bishop appointments has faced criticism, particularly from Cardinal Zen, who has been outspoken against perceived compromises.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of the Vatican's agreement with China?
- How does Cardinal Zen's criticism affect the Church's future?
- Who are the main contenders to succeed Pope Francis?
Common question
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Why Did Bishop Zen Leave Hong Kong Now?
Retired Bishop Joseph Zen's recent departure from Hong Kong has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the implications for the Catholic Church in the region. As tensions between the Vatican and China continue to evolve, many are left wondering about the motivations behind Zen's exit and its potential impact on pro-Vatican Catholics in Hong Kong.
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What are the current tensions between the Vatican and China?
The relationship between the Vatican and China has been increasingly strained, particularly in light of recent events involving retired Bishop Joseph Zen. His departure from Hong Kong and criticisms of the Vatican's agreements with China have raised significant questions about the future of Catholicism in the region. This page explores the current tensions and their implications.
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Why Did Cardinal Becciu Withdraw from the Papal Conclave?
Cardinal Angelo Becciu's withdrawal from the upcoming papal conclave has raised many questions about his past and the implications for the future of the Catholic Church. With Pope Francis's recent passing, the stakes are high as cardinals prepare to elect a new leader. Here are some common questions surrounding this significant event.
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Why Did Trump Post an AI-Generated Image of Himself as the Pope?
Donald Trump's recent post of an AI-generated image depicting himself as the pope has sparked significant controversy, especially in light of Pope Francis's recent death. This incident raises questions about the implications for Trump's public image and the reactions from various communities, particularly religious leaders. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this provocative post.
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What to Expect from the Upcoming Papal Conclave?
As the papal conclave approaches following the death of Pope Francis, many are curious about the implications for the Catholic Church. This pivotal event will not only determine the next pope but also address pressing issues such as the Vatican's relationship with China and the internal dynamics among the Cardinals. Here are some common questions and insights into what to expect.
More on these topics
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Pope Francis is the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State. Francis is the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first pope from outside Europe since the Syrian Gregory
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Vatican City, officially the Vatican City State, is the Holy See's independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. Vatican City became independent from Italy with the Lateran Treaty, and it is a distinct territory under "full ownership, exclusive domi
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Joseph Zen Ze-kiun SDB is a cardinal of the Catholic Church from Hong Kong, who served as the sixth Bishop of Hong Kong. He was appointed cardinal in 2006, and has been outspoken on issues regarding human rights, political freedom, and religious liberty.
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Stephen Chiau Sing-chi, professionally known as Stephen Chow, is a Hong Kong filmmaker, actor, and producer.
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Hong Kong, officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, is a metropolitan area and special administrative region of the People's Republic of China on the eastern Pearl River Delta of the South China Sea.
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Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. Neighbouring countries include the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Japan to the northeast, and the Philippines to the south.