Cardinal Joseph Zen defies restrictions to attend Pope Francis' funeral

In April 2025, Cardinal Joseph Zen, a 93-year-old retired bishop from Hong Kong, was permitted to leave the city to attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City. This event followed a significant legal struggle where Zen had to apply to the court to regain his passport, which was confiscated by authorities after his arrest in 2022 under a nationally imposed law relating to security concerns. Zen is a prominent figure who has openly criticized the Vatican’s dealings with the Chinese government, claiming that these agreements undermine the rights and beliefs of Chinese Catholics loyal to the pope. His controversial arrest in 2022, linked to allegations of collusion with foreign forces, had already shaken the Catholic community, signaling a tension between religious freedom and state control in Hong Kong. The court's decision to allow Zen to travel is a notable development in light of previous restrictions placed on him, raising questions about the current political environment regarding religious leaders in the region. The timing of this funeral and Zen's attendance coincides with ongoing discussions about the Vatican's diplomatic relationship with China, which has been fraught with tension since the severance of ties after the rise of the Communist Party in the country. These events come amidst broader conversations about the implications for both the Catholic community in mainland China and the Vatican itself, particularly as the Pope is considered a symbolic leader for Catholics worldwide. Zen's return to Hong Kong is anticipated following the funeral, although specific details regarding his timeline remain uncertain, reflecting the continued challenges facing religious figures under the current political regime in Hong Kong.