Catholic Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Hong Kong, Chen Yat-kwan, was approved by the court to withdraw his passport and lift the restrictions on leaving Hong Kong to attend the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in the Vatican.
The American Catholic media "America Magazine" reported that after arriving in the Vatican, Chen Rijun was personally interviewed by Pope Francis. Prisoners were baptized, and Francis was pleased to hear that Chen Rijun continued his pastoral work even though he had to use crutches.
Chen Rijun was invited to Francis' private residence and received a rosary and books.
The report also pointed out that Chen Rijun was allowed to visit and pray in front of the tomb of Benedict XVI located in the crypt of St. Peter's Cathedral.
▼On January 4, Chen Rijun appeared at Hong Kong International Airport to go to the Vatican▼
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Chen Rijun told "America Magazine" that he was received by Pope Francis alone in his residence (Casa Santa Marta) after the funeral of Benedict XVI. Chen described the meeting as "wonderful", while Fang Jegg was also very warm (It was wonderful. He was so very warm).
He said that during the meeting, he thanked Francis for appointing a good bishop for Hong Kong (bishop Zhou Shouren of the Diocese of Hong Kong), and Francis also smiled after hearing this.
In addition, Chen Rijun also told Francis about his pastoral work for prisoners in Hong Kong prisons in the past 10 years, including baptizing many prisoners. Walking on crutches, he continued to engage in pastoral work.
▼On January 4th, the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong held a Mass in honor of the late Catholic Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI▼
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Afterwards, Chen Rijun was invited to Pope Francis' private residence, and Francis showed him the replica sculpture of Our Lady of Sheshan (Our Lady of Sheshan) that he had received. I hope you can one day visit the shrine of Sheshan.
Chen Rijun also described that Francis was very humorous during the interview and insisted on sending him away. During the interview, he also joked that the reason was to ensure that Chen left and that he did not take anything with him.
Chen Rijun went to the Vatican in 2020, hoping to meet with the Pope on the arrangement of Hong Kong bishops, but he was not received at that time.
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