The Vatican has expressed “concern” after 90-year-old outspoken Cardinal Joseph Zen was arrested last week in Hong Kong on charges he had endangered China’s national security.
The humanitarian activist and religious freedom fighter previously served as bishop of Hong Kong from 2002 to 2009. He was detained along with four others in connection with his role as administrator of the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund, which supported pro-democracy demonstrations by paying for the legal and medical expenses of protesters.
“The Holy See has learned with concern the news of Cardinal Zen’s arrest and is following the evolution of the situation with extreme attention,” Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said when asked about Zen’s arrest by reporters in Rome.
