10/05/2025
Cardinal Zen Refuses to Flee From the
Wolves
He has returned to Hong Kong to be with his flock.
May 09, 2025 12:10 p.m. ET
Jesus says in the Gospel of John, “I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, and my sheep
know me.” He used the parable of the wolf and sheep to affirm his companionship with his
flock, even in the face of suffering.
So too does Cardinal Joseph Zen, bishop emeritus of Hong Kong, who recently traveled to
Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral and meetings with fellow cardinals. He has since returned to
Hong Kong, where authorities accuse him of violating the draconian National Security Law.
As a scholar of Hong Kong’s rule of law, human rights and religious freedom, I appreciate Fr.
Robert Sirico’s case that “Hong Kong’s Dissident Cardinal Zen Should Defect” (op-ed, May
3).
It’s no surprise, however, that the cardinal rejected the advice. Judging by Cardinal Zen’s past words and actions, it’s clear he believes he can fulfill his pastoral mission only by being
among the people. Even if his freedom is curtailed, he won’t abandon the faithful. Poor health prevents him from visiting the sick or imprisoned regularly, but his continued presence is still a form of accompaniment—and arguably a more powerful one than if he were abroad.
Cardinal Zen has said more than once that he is prepared to go to prison. “Many Chinese
pastors have been imprisoned for holding fast to their faith and loyalty to the Holy See . . . I
will not and should not leave. Do not be afraid,” he told the press in 2021.
Jesus is the shepherd, not a hired hand who sees a wolf coming and flees. Cardinal Zen has
made a sacrificial choice, and I trust that his witness will continue to raise awareness about
the plight of Catholics in Hong Kong no matter how much Beijing tries to muzzle him.
Eric Lai
Georgetown University
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/cardinal-zen-refuses-to-flee-from-the-wolves-hong-kong-4d5b50e9
He has returned to Hong Kong to be with his flock.