Stephen Chow Sau-yan
Stored: Stephen Chow Sau-yan
| His Eminence Stephen Chow Sau-yan | |
| Bishop of Diocese of Hong Kong | |
| Home diocese: | Diocese of Hong Kong |
| Other diocese 1: | |
| Other diocese 2: | |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 16 July 1994 by Bishop John Baptist Wu Cheng-chung |
| Consecration: | 4 December 2021 by Cardinal John Tong Hon |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 30 September 2023 by Pope Francis |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Stephen Chow Sau-yan 7 August 1959 Hong Kong, British Hong Kong |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | China |
| Education: | Harvard University |
| Motto: | "Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam" (For the greater glory of God) |
| Role: | Diocesan |
| Theology: | Progressive |
| Region: | East Asia |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Stephen Chow Sau-yan, S.J. (born August 7, 1959) is a Chinese Jesuit prelate serving as the Bishop of Hong Kong since 2021 and elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023.[1] Born in British Hong Kong, he joined the Society of Jesus in 1984, was ordained a priest in 1994, and served as provincial superior of the Chinese Jesuit Province from 2018 to 2021.[2] A psychologist by training, with degrees from the University of Minnesota and a doctorate from Harvard, Chow has been a prominent educator, supervising Jesuit-run Wah Yan Colleges and teaching at the University of Hong Kong and Holy Spirit Seminary.[3] His appointment as bishop, initially declined but accepted after a personal letter from Pope Francis, marked him as a surprise choice to lead Hong Kong’s diocese amid political tensions and the Vatican-China accord.[4]
Chow’s episcopal ministry focuses on bridge-building between the Vatican and China, exemplified by his historic 2023 visit to Beijing—the first by a Hong Kong bishop since 1985—and subsequent visits to Guangzhou, Shantou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai.[5] Elevated to cardinal-priest of San Giovanni Battista de La Salle, he is Hong Kong’s fourth cardinal and, at 65, eligible for the 2025 conclave following Pope Francis’ death, a role seen as strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a mediator in Vatican-China relations.[6] His progressive stance, including support for dialogue on women’s ordination and LGBTQ+ inclusion, has drawn praise and criticism, with some accusing him of conceding too much to Beijing’s sinicization policies, while others laud his diplomacy in fostering unity.[7][8]
Biography
Birth and early life
Stephen Chow Sau-yan was born on 7 August 1959 in British Hong Kong to a Catholic family.[3] Raised in a city under British colonial rule, he attended a secondary school staffed by Irish Jesuits, which sparked his interest in the Society of Jesus.[9] His early exposure to Jesuit education and spirituality shaped his commitment to faith and intellectual rigor, influenced by Hong Kong’s unique East-West cultural context.[10]
Chow’s formative years were marked by academic excellence and a growing sense of vocation.[3] He pursued higher education abroad, studying psychology and philosophy at the University of Minnesota, where his engagement with diverse perspectives deepened his interest in human development and spirituality.[4] His decision to join the Jesuits at age 25 reflected a blend of intellectual curiosity and spiritual calling, setting the stage for his multifaceted career in education and ministry.[2]
Education
Stephen Chow began his Jesuit formation in 1984, entering the Society of Jesus and completing his noviceship in Ireland from 1986 to 1988, where he earned a licentiate in philosophy from the Milltown Institute of Theology and Philosophy.[3] He pursued theological studies at Hong Kong’s Holy Spirit Seminary from 1988 to 1993, preparing for priesthood.[4] He later obtained a master’s degree in organizational development from Loyola University Chicago (1993–1995) and a doctorate in human development and psychology from Harvard University (2000–2006), focusing on educational leadership.[3][11]
His academic journey included teaching and administrative roles, such as honorary assistant professor at the University of Hong Kong (2008–2015) and part-time professor of psychology at Holy Spirit Seminary.[4] Chow’s education, blending psychology, theology, and Jesuit spirituality, equipped him for leadership in Hong Kong’s complex socio-political landscape, where he has applied psychological insights to foster dialogue and reconciliation.[7]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on 16 July 1994 by Bishop John Baptist Wu Cheng-chung for the Society of Jesus, Stephen Chow served in various educational and pastoral roles.[1] He taught at Wah Yan College, Kowloon (1988–1990), and later supervised both Wah Yan Colleges in Hong Kong and Kowloon (2007–2021), shaping Jesuit education.[4] As chairman of the Jesuit Education Commission of the Chinese Province (2006–2019), he promoted holistic education, and as a Jesuit formator (2009–2017), he guided young Jesuits.[11]
Chow became provincial superior of the Chinese Jesuit Province on 1 January 2018, serving until his episcopal appointment in 2021.[2] His priesthood emphasized bridge-building, notably through his participation in the Jesuits’ 36th General Congregation in 2016 and his advocacy for dialogue in Hong Kong’s polarized society.[9] His progressive views, including support for exploring women’s ordination, stirred debate but underscored his commitment to inclusivity.[4]
Bishop
Appointed Bishop of Hong Kong on 17 May 2021 by Pope Francis, Stephen Chow was consecrated on 4 December 2021 by Cardinal John Tong Hon, succeeding Michael Yeung, who died in 2019.[1] Initially reluctant, Chow accepted the role after a personal letter from Pope Francis, filling a vacancy amid Hong Kong’s political tensions and the Vatican-China accord.[4] Elevated to cardinal-priest of San Giovanni Battista de La Salle on 30 September 2023, he became Hong Kong’s fourth cardinal and a key figure in Vatican-China relations.[12]
Chow’s episcopal ministry has prioritized dialogue with mainland China, marked by his 2023 Beijing visit—the first by a Hong Kong bishop since 1985—and 2024 visits to Guangzhou, Shantou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai, fostering exchanges on youth ministry and catechesis.[5][13] Critics, including Cardinal Joseph Zen, argue he concedes too much to Beijing, particularly on issues like the imprisonment of Catholic activist Jimmy Lai, while supporters praise his diplomatic approach to the Vatican-China accord.[7][14] His 2025 conclave eligibility underscores his global influence.[6]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diocese of Hong Kong | Diocesan Bishop | 17 May 2021 | Present | Elevated to cardinal in 2023; first Hong Kong bishop to visit Beijing since 1985 |
Significant events
- Entered the Society of Jesus in 1984.[3]
- Ordained priest on 16 July 1994.[1]
- Appointed provincial superior of the Chinese Jesuit Province in 2018.[2]
- Appointed Bishop of Diocese of Hong Kong in 2021.[1]
- Visited Beijing in April 2023, the first Hong Kong bishop to do so since 1985.[5]
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023.[12]
- Visited Guangzhou, Shantou, and Shenzhen in April 2024, and Shanghai in February 2025, fostering Vatican-China dialogue.[13][15]
- Confirmed as eligible for the 2025 papal conclave.[6]
Books
Written about the bishop
- White, Christopher (21 March 2025). "China Cardinal Chow’s Role: Building Bridges in an Increasingly Complex Situation". https://www.ncregister.com/news/china-cardinal-chow-s-role-building-bridges-in-an-increasingly-complex-situation.
- Cheung, Tony (30 September 2023). "Hong Kong’s top Catholic priest Stephen Chow made a cardinal by Pope Francis". https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3236156/hong-kongs-top-catholic-priest-stephen-chow-made-cardinal-pope-francis.
- Mares, Courtney (15 May 2024). "A look at the bishop of Hong Kong’s recent visit to mainland China". https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/257614/a-look-at-the-bishop-of-hong-kongs-recent-visit-to-mainland-china.
Written by the bishop
- Chow, Stephen (2020). Lee Wai-ling, Rita. ed (in zh). Matteo Ricci’s Wonderful Life. Hong Kong: Manila Publishing. ISBN 978-9621471918. https://www.amazon.com/Matteo-Riccis-Wonderful-Life-Chinese/dp/9621471915.
- Chow, Stephen (2012). Chow, Stephen. ed (in zh). Selected Essays on Jesuit Education. Hong Kong: Thinking Publishing. ISBN 978-9881914767. https://www.worldcat.org/title/ye-su-hui-jiao-yu-lun-wen-ji/oclc/939430876.
External links
- Stephen Cardinal Chow Sau-yan, S.J. at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
- His Eminence Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., Bishop of Hong Kong at Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong
- New Cardinal Chow Sau-yan: Pope Francis has a nickname - the Pope of Surprises at Vatican News
- Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan, S.J. at Vatican Press
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Cheney, David M.. "Stephen Cardinal Chow Sau-yan, S.J.". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bchowsy.html.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan, S.J.". 29 September 2023. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2023/09/29/230929a.html.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 "Stephen Chow Sau-Yan". https://www.pass.va/en/academicians/chow-sau-yan.html.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 "Stephen Chow (bishop)". 17 May 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Chow_(bishop).
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 White, Christopher (21 March 2025). "China Cardinal Chow’s Role: Building Bridges in an Increasingly Complex Situation". https://www.ncregister.com/news/china-cardinal-chow-s-role-building-bridges-in-an-increasingly-complex-situation.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Cheung, Tony (24 April 2025). "Hong Kong’s Cardinal Stephen Chow to join conclave to elect pope’s successor". https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3259807/hong-kongs-cardinal-stephen-chow-join-conclave-elect-popes-successor.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan, S.J.". 8 July 2024. https://collegeofcardinalsreport.com/cardinals/stephen-chow-sau-yan.
- ↑ Chow, Stephen (13 November 2024). "Cardinal Chow: What I learned listening to LGBTQ people during the Synod". https://outreach.faith/2024/11/cardinal-stephen-chow-what-i-learned-listening-to-lgbtq-people-during-the-synod/.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Bishop of Hong Kong Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., addresses Boston College Class of 2024". 19 May 2024. https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/bcnews/campus-community/commencement/cardinal-stephen-chow-addresses-class-of-2024.html.
- ↑ "Meet Stephen Chow, the Jesuit Cardinal of Hong Kong". 20 March 2024. https://www.jesuits.global/2024/03/20/meet-stephen-chow-the-jesuit-cardinal-of-hong-kong/.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Cardinal of Hong Kong Diocese Stephen Sau-yan Chow". https://www.ucanews.com/directory/bishops/cardinal-of-hong-kong-diocese-stephen-sau-yan-chow/1133.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Cheung, Tony (30 September 2023). "Hong Kong’s top Catholic priest Stephen Chow made a cardinal by Pope Francis". https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3236156/hong-kongs-top-catholic-priest-stephen-chow-made-cardinal-pope-francis.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Mares, Courtney (15 May 2024). "A look at the bishop of Hong Kong’s recent visit to mainland China". https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/257614/a-look-at-the-bishop-of-hong-kongs-recent-visit-to-mainland-china.
- ↑ "Zen threatens boycott of HK cardinal’s Mass if Beijing bishop attends". 3 November 2023. https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/zen-threatens-boycott-of-hk-cardinals.
- ↑ Mares, Courtney (4 March 2025). "Cardinal Chow in tears during prayer for Pope Francis at China’s Sheshan basilica". https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/260517/cardinal-chow-in-tears-during-prayer-for-pope-francis-at-chinas-sheshan-basilica.