This weekend should have been one of celebration for Hong Kong Catholics – the elevation of their new bishop to the rank of cardinal. The fact that the city now has three living cardinals – Cardinal Joseph Zen, Cardinal John Tong and now Cardinal Stephen Chow – is remarkable, and a sign of how much importance the Vatican places on Hong Kong.
Cardinal Chow was one of 21 new cardinals to receive the red biretta at this weekend’s consistory, and he spoke of his surprise when he received the news of his appointment. No one had informed him in advance. “Pope Francis has a nickname: the Pope of surprises,” he told Vatican News.
