Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is telling no secrets to say that many Catholics are concerned not to say terrified by the implications of the 2018 secret agreement between China and the Vatican about the recognition of bishops and the status of the Catholic Church in China. The issue is whether the agreement is leading to more repression of Catholics and more restrictions on their priests and the practice of their faith in China, particularly as the Chinese authorities have required the formal registration of clergy. This may have major consequences for the freedom and safety of clergy who previously operated as part of the underground church. In recent years we have seen the crushing of democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong.

I link these because one man in the eye of both storms is the brave 90-year-old Hong Kong cardinal, Joseph Zen, who has been a prominent critic of the Vatican-China accord. I met him personally in Lisbon in 2019 when he expressed his burning anxiety about the agreement but in terms which never compromised his faithfulness to the Holy Father. Two weeks ago, Cardinal Zen was arrested by Hong Kong police from the national security department along with four others for alleged collusion with foreign forces. Their only offence was to be trustees of the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund which provided legal and financial assistance to more than 2,200 people prosecuted for their part in the 2019 pro-democracy protests. The fund had ceased operations in 2021 after police announced it was under investigation and requested administrators to provide details on its donors.

Cardinal Zen is on bail but he remains a strong supporter of democracy in Hong Kong because he recognises the link between democratic decision-making and respect for human dignity. The fate of Chinese catholics and Hong Kong democrats, and the legal prosecution of this fine old man all demand our concern and attention. The influence on this country of Christian traditions and the missionary links between Ireland and China should add texture and depth to our concern. I hope the Government will speak out more on this issue particularly in the wake of the arrest of a 90-year-old cardinal for simply supporting democracy.