Hong Kong’s Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., offered reflections on the recently concluded global Synod on Synodality in an exclusive interview with America Magazine.
Speaking with Gerard O’Connell, America’s Vatican correspondent, the cardinal shared insights into the event’s transformative potential for the Church, particularly in Hong Kong and the broader Chinese Catholic community.
Having participated in both sessions of the synod in 2023 and 2024, Cardinal Chow described the experience as deeply enriching but not without its challenges, according to Sunday Examiner, the official news site of the Diocese of Hong Kong.
“We’ve been working, laughing, and sharing,” he remarked, highlighting the bonds formed among participants, especially those from Asia. However, he acknowledged the critical question facing the Church now: “How do you make synodality a growing reality?”
While Pope Francis chose not to issue an apostolic exhortation following the synod, Cardinal Chow emphasized the significance of its final document.
Describing it as “a very rich roadmap,” he noted that each paragraph had been voted on and approved by delegates, providing clear steps toward a synodal Church characterized by discernment, accountability, and greater lay inclusion.
Discernment emerged as a key theme, with the cardinal clarifying its meaning as a dynamic process rooted in tradition and adapted to local contexts.
“The final document gives the components for discernment,” he said, framing it as a guide for communities navigating complex decisions.
Accountability was another major focus of the synod. Cardinal Chow expressed hope for a more participatory Church where lay voices, especially those of women, play a central role in decision-making.
While the issue of women’s diaconate remains open for further study, he noted the growing recognition of women’s contributions to the life of the Church.
“Young people and Catholic education also figured prominently,” Cardinal Chow shared. Advocacy by synod participants ensured that education, initially absent from the working document, was included.
“Through Catholic education, we affect a lot of lives and form young people,” he added, underscoring its role in shaping future Church leaders.
For Hong Kong, Cardinal Chow sees the synod’s message as particularly urgent. “We have our wounds that we need to heal,” he admitted, referencing the social and political tensions that have fractured the city.
Healing, he believes, begins with “empathic, self-emptying listening that fosters trust and dialogue.”
The cardinal also highlighted the need for Hong Kong to rebuild confidence through dialogue and mutual respect.
“Not arrogance, but self-confidence rooted in dialogue,” he explained, envisioning a path forward for the city marked by hope and resilience.
Cardinal Chow reflected on the synod’s relevance to China-Vatican relations, emphasizing trust as a foundation for dialogue. “Both parties need to have more trust with each other,” he stated.
While acknowledging cultural and political differences, he expressed optimism about fostering mutual understanding through deeper conversations.
Looking beyond Asia, Cardinal Chow described the synod as a counter-witness to the polarization gripping the world.
He noted how nationalism and individualism have sown division, and praised Pope Francis’ leadership in guiding the Church toward unity through collaboration and mutual respect.
“This is the footprint of the Holy Spirit,” he said, affirming the synod’s inclusive approach, which allows local Churches to adapt its principles to their unique circumstances.
As the Church embarks on its synodal journey, Cardinal Chow stressed the importance of dialogue in fostering unity and trust.
He acknowledged the diverse contexts within the global Church, noting, “We move at different speeds because there are different contexts.”
Despite the challenges, Cardinal Chow views the synod as a timely intervention by the Holy Spirit.
“I see this as the intervention of the Holy Spirit through the Church,” he said, urging the faithful to embrace the principles of synodality to heal divisions and foster hope.
As the Church navigates an uncertain future, the cardinal’s reflections serve as a call to action: to listen, heal, and journey together, embodying the Spirit’s transformative power in the world.
