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Danny Mok

William Yiu

Hong Kong’s Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan will join the conclave that will elect Pope Francis’ successor, the city’s Catholic diocese has said, but declined to disclose further details.
The secret meeting, where all cardinals under 80 gather at the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican to vote for the new pontiff, normally commences 15 to 20 days after the previous pope’s death.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff of the Catholic Church, died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.
In a reply to the Post, the Catholic diocese of Hong Kong confirmed that Chow would take part in the meeting.
“Cardinal Chow will be going to the Vatican for the conclave, but his itinerary is not supposed to be disclosed,” a spokesman for the Hong Kong Catholic Social Communications Office said.
The first session of general congregations, in which the qualities that the next pontiff should possess are usually discussed, began on Tuesday.
But retired bishop of Hong Kong Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, 93, reportedly voiced his dissatisfaction over the “early” start, questioning how elderly cardinals based outside Rome could arrive in time for the first session.
Vatican expert John Mok Chit-wai, research assistant professor in the department of social sciences at Polytechnic University, agreed about the rushed scheduling of the congregations, but added that missing the first session was not considered significant.

Mok said the congregations, expected to be held multiple times before the conclave, allowed cardinals to connect, with those interested in the job allowed to share their vision on the church’s future and garner support.
These discussions often played a key role in shaping the profile of the next pope, Mok said.
All cardinals can attend the general congregations, but only those under 80 can enter the conclave to choose the next pope.
Hong Kong Catholic leader Chow, 65, the only city cleric eligible to attend, is among the church’s 135 cardinals under 80.
Although it is not mandatory, those over 80 are encouraged to attend the general congregations unless they are unable to do so due to serious health issues. Besides Zen, Cardinal John Tong Hon, 86, can also attend the general sessions.
While those aged over 80 are not eligible to vote in the conclave, senior cardinals may still participate as non-voting members, contributing their insights to discussions and preparations.
The election will be conducted by secret ballot and a majority of two-thirds plus one is needed for approval.
During the conclave, cardinals will be locked in the chapel to force them to make their decision as quickly as possible, while limiting outside interference.
The world will know that a pope has been elected when an official burns the paper ballots with special chemicals that emit white smoke out of the chapel’s chimney. Black smoke indicates an inconclusive vote.
Additional reporting by Oscar Liu


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Hong Kong’s Cardinal Stephen Chow to join conclave to elect pope’s successor

Pilgrims and visitors queue at St Peter’s Square. Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. Photo: AFP

Cardinal Stephen Chow will join the papal conclave that will elect Pope Francis’ successor. Photo: Jelly Tse

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Worshippers gather at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Hong Kong to remember Pope Francis. Photo: Jelly Tse

Former chief executive Donald Tsang has said he remembers Francis as a pontiff “full of compassion, kindness, humility, and courage”. Photo: Jelly Tse

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Prayers are said for Pope Francis at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Hong Kong. Photo: Elson Li

(From left) Auxiliary Bishop of Hong Kong Joseph Ha Chi-shing, Stephen Chow and Beijing Bishop Joseph Li Shan in 2023. Photo: Handout

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Secret meeting, where all cardinals under 80 gather at Sistine Chapel to vote, normally commences 15 to 20 days after pope’s death


Secret meeting, where all cardinals under 80 gather at Sistine Chapel to vote, normally commences 15 to 20 days after pope’s death.


Hong Kong’s Cardinal Stephen Chow to join conclave to elect pope’s successor

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Secret meeting, where all cardinals under 80 gather at Sistine Chapel to vote, normally commences 15 to 20 days after pope’s death

Secret meeting, where all cardinals under 80 gather at Sistine Chapel to vote, normally commences 15 to 20 days after pope’s death