[Who is the bishop? 】 Cai Huimin, Bishop of the Diocese of Hong Kong, appointed by the mission to take over as bishop

Politics

Written by: Chen Chuolan

2020-01-18 18:13

After the death of the former Catholic Bishop of Hong Kong, Yang Mingzhang, in January 2019, the bishop of Hong Kong has been vacant for over a year. The Vatican Holy See abandoned the practice in January last year and did not assign the bishop of Hong Kong diocese Xia Zhicheng to act as bishop. Instead, he appointed a retired pro-centre bishop Tang Han to represent him.

The Catholic News Agency reported yesterday (17th) that, in order to cater to the Chinese government, a mission has been finalized by the pro-China patriarch of the Hong Kong diocese, Cai Huimin, as the bishop. Tang Han has close relations with Cai Huimin. Agent Han's decision was whether to "pave the way" for Cai. The Hong Kong Catholic Social Communications Department responded today (18th) that there is no new bishop message and it will not comment on related rumors or reports.

It is rumored that Cai Huimin, the bishop of Hong Kong, will take over as bishop of Hong Kong. (Profile picture)

Catholic News Service: Cai Huimin has obtained Holy See approval

The report pointed out that high-level church leaders in the Holy See, Hong Kong, and China have separately confirmed that Cai Huimin's personnel case for taking over the bishop of Hong Kong has been approved by the Holy See. However, due to the tense atmosphere between Hong Kong and China in the past half year, Cai Huimin's pro-China position has the opportunity to trigger a rebound within the church in Hong Kong. Tang Han personally suggested to the Holy See not to announce this decision immediately, but no exact date was announced.

Acting Tang Han (left) and Xia Zhicheng, assistant Catholic bishop of Hong Kong. (Profile picture)

Xia Zhicheng's political stance is clear

Xia Zhicheng is currently an assistant bishop. The diocese of Hong Kong is the only assistant bishop. He is a "bishop" and has a bishop status for life. He has repeatedly prayed publicly for demonstrators in anti-revision events. He has also participated in different processions and spoke out on issues such as democracy and justice. He attended a prayer meeting before the anti-revision march on June 16 last year, and reiterated on the stage that he would not accept the amendment or failed to "sit up" due to his political position.

[Tang Han Comes Out of the Mountain] Tang Han says he feels "hot" Xia Zhicheng: I am always blessed by the Lord

[Yang Mingzhang died] Who is the successor? Xia Zhicheng is expected to act as Cai Huimin or become a dark horse

[Fugitive Regulations] Xia Zhicheng calls on young people to calm and seek justice