HONG KONG (SE): In an interview with the Sunday Examiner and Kung Kao Po on November 28, Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., reflected on his four-year journey leading the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, describing it as a period of personal growth, deepened understanding, and renewed commitment to building a more participatory Church.
Looking back to his installation on 4 December 2021, Cardinal Stephen said he now feels “more at ease” in his role, having learned to navigate both pastoral expectations and unprecedented challenges, particularly those brought about by the pandemic. “I have grown more confident,” he said, noting that continuous learning remains central to his ministry.
For 2026, Cardinal Stephen highlighted his desire to strengthen a “culture of dialogue” across the diocese. While reaffirming that the Church’s hierarchical structure differs from democratic systems, he stressed the importance of encouraging wider participation in the decision-making process.
“We need to learn, respect, and put into practice giving young people a true role and place,” he said. “Not only young people, but also women and those on the fringe who are often not given enough space.”
He acknowledged ongoing challenges in ensuring that dialogue is effectively reflected in decision making, taking, evaluation and implementation.
We need to learn, respect, and put into practice giving young people a true role and place. Not only young people, but also women and those on the fringe who are often not given enough space
Cardinal Stephen
As the Diocese of Hong Kong prepares to mark its 80th anniversary, Cardinal Stephen expressed gratitude for the blessings of past decades while emphasising the need to adapt to shifting demographic realities, including population changes and rising immigration. He called for renewed energy from young Catholics and a collective willingness to journey forward in faith.
Throughout this year, the cardinal made several international visits— to Hungary, Australia, Japan, and Korea— viewing them as opportunities to share the Church’s lived experience in Hong Kong and also to correct some of the common misconceptions.
“Reports about Hong Kong are not always accurate,” he said. “If I do not speak out when people suggest there is no religious freedom or that persecution exists, it is as though I am admitting it myself.”
He emphasised that more than 200 Catholic schools, not including schools of other Christian denominations and religions in Hong Kong, most of which are substantially subsidised by the government, continue to offer religious education and liturgical activities. This, he said, is a clear sign that “religious freedom and freedom of cult remain intact.”
As the Diocese of Hong Kong prepares to mark its 80th anniversary, Cardinal Stephen expressed gratitude for the blessings of past decades while emphasising the need to adapt to shifting demographic realities
Cardinal Stephen also spoke about his approach to media engagement, saying he is not avoiding difficult questions and advocates for sincere communication. Sharing personal experiences, he added, can help foster trust and mutual understanding.
When asked about his physical well-being, the cardinal honestly revealed that he follows a vegetarian diet and exercises in the morning to keep himself healthy. He admitted, however, that monitoring caffeine intake remains a challenge. “I used to be more disciplined, limited to one cup of coffee a day,” he said with a smile. Amid the demands of his schedule—often leaving him with only a few hours of sleep—he expressed gratitude to his team, including his assistant, “they keep everything running smoothly.”
Concluding the interview, the cardinal conveyed appreciation for the grace-filled experiences of the past four years and voiced hope for deeper communion and growth in the years ahead.
