Hong Kong bishop visits Chinese homeland for first time since 1998

Published: 2004-05-04

HONG KONG (CNS) -- After visiting his homeland for the first time since 1998, Bishop Joseph Zen Ze-kiun of Hong Kong said he hopes his recent "low-profile" visit to Shanghai, China, can help improve understanding and friendship between the Hong Kong church and authorities on the mainland. Bishop Zen told UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand, that his April 28-30 visit to Shanghai, his birthplace, was an opportunity to pave the way for future dialogue, but this would not keep him from speaking out on issues. Bishop Zen confirmed that government-recognized Bishop Aloysius Jin Luxian of Shanghai had written to invite him to make a pilgrimage to Sheshan basilica on the outskirts of Shanghai, but the Hong Kong bishop refused to say which authority or government official approved the invitation. He has told the media, however, that the Vatican was informed in advance about the trip, but the Holy See did not ask him to pass on any message.

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