The former bishop of Hong Kong has entered debate over plans by the traditionalist Society of St Pius X to consecrate bishops without the permission of the Holy See in July.
In a statement released on X, Cardinal Joseph Zen offered scriptural exegesis and departed from other conservative cardinals by saying the Society’s decision could be justified as a matter of conscience.
He said schism “must [be avoided] with every available effort” because “it will cause lasting damage in the Church”.
The statement, posted on March 6, 2026, and titled ‘The Case of the SSPX’, was written in Italian and referred to the liturgical readings for Friday of the second week of Lent.
