What Cardinal Zen’s arrest means for the church in China

On May 11, Cardinal Joseph Zen, the 90-year old pro-democracy prelate of Hong Kong, along with three other advocates for democracy in China, were arrested and questioned on accusations that they were “colluding with foreign forces.”

Cardinal Zen was released less than a day later. Following his arrest, the Vatican issued a statement in which it said it is “following the development of the situation very closely.”

On “Inside the Vatican” this week, veteran Vatican reporter Gerard O’Connell and host Colleen Dulle explore why this revered, outspoken defender of human rights and democracy in Hong Kong appears to pose such a grave threat to the Chinese government. The hosts also examine what Cardinal Zen’s arrest could mean for the Catholic church in China.

After that, Colleen and Gerry profile two saints who, like Cardinal Zen, spoke out in favor of justice and peace, and who paid with their lives.

Links from the show:

Cardinal Joseph Zen, 90, arrested in Hong Kong

Cardinal Zen’s arrest sends shockwaves throughout Catholic world

Titus Brandsma was killed in a Nazi death camp. This Sunday, Pope Francis will make him a saint.

10 new saints exemplify ways of overcoming selfishness, Pope Francis says.

Who was Charles de Foucauld?

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