I understand that some of Pope Francis critics (for other than ideal motives) seem to use any and all ambiguities uttered by Pope Francis to detract from what otherwise may be prudence and love on his part. I certainly hope, as you do, that Pope Francis is working behind the scenes to protect Cardinal Zen from even worse scenarios. To be truthful I find it hard to understand Pope Francis' words and actions as well as his omissions. To me, the myriad of puzzle pieces of his pontificate are forming a big picture and its not pretty. Is it intentional? I don't know. I pray for the pope , I oscillate between praying for his conversion to praying that he will not be delivered up to the will of the enemies of the church. I also pray for emeritus Pope Benedict. I suppose I am trying to cover all bases. You make a good point , Jesus told Pilate that he would have no power over Jesus had the Father not given it. So Yes I see, lawful authority elected or not is still lawful authority. Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.
Cardinal Zen Hospitalized in Hong Kong After Returning From Benedict XVI’s Funeral The former bishop of Hong Kong revealed that he had already been experiencing some health difficulties before he received permission from a Hong Kong court to travel to Rome for the Jan. 5 funeral of Benedict XVI. Cardinal Joseph Zen, former bishop of Hong Hong, attends the funeral Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Jan. 5, 2023, in St. Peter's Square. (Photo: Courtesy photo) Courtney Mares/CNAVaticanFebruary 1, 2023 ROME — Cardinal Joseph Zen has been hospitalized in Hong Kong after his health deteriorated upon returning from Benedict XVI’s funeral in Rome. The 91-year-old cardinal wrote on his blog on Jan. 31 that he is receiving treatment in the hospital after experiencing difficulty breathing. Cardinal Zen said that the doctors have already conducted many examinations and ruled out that he does not have a bacterial infection in his lungs as he experienced in 2016 when he was hospitalized for three weeks. “You have not heard from me as I have been staying in the hospital. Please rest assured, Hong Kong’s most senior doctors are taking care of me,” he wrote. The former bishop of Hong Kong revealed that he had already been experiencing some health difficulties before he received permission from a Hong Kong court to travel to Rome for the Jan. 5 funeral of Benedict XVI. Despite having inflammation in his shoulders, an aching back, and numbness in his hands, Cardinal Zen said that he felt that he “could not give up the opportunity” to be present at the funeral. “The funeral of Pope Benedict was very important to me; and like a miracle, God allowed me to go to Rome to attend: The court approved, the police let me get back my passport; the airline just had a flight so that I could catch the funeral in time, therefore, I felt that I couldn’t give up this opportunity and decided to go,” he said. “When I went to Rome, I felt that I represented the whole of Hong Kong and the whole of China, expressing our respect and love to Pope Benedict XVI.” After his four-day trip to Rome, the cardinal spent 10 days resting in Hong Kong, but his health unexpectedly continued to deteriorate, worsening on the first day of Lunar New Year, Jan. 22. Cardinal Zen shared the update on his health in a blog post titled Letter to Inmates. The retired cardinal has dedicated his time over the past 10 years to prison ministry in Hong Kong and has baptized several prisoners. “Do not forget that we will never be separated in prayer,” he wrote to the inmates. “I will continue to pray for you, and please remember me in your prayers.” https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nc...ter-returning-from-benedict-xvi-s-funeral?amp
There are certain Catholics that are saints already whom you can't help but love. Payers for the holy cardinal. First Benedict, then Pell, then... Eternal rest grant to Pope Benedict and Cardinal Pell. May eternal Light shine upon them. Psalm 27:7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me! 8 Thou hast said, “Seek ye my face.” My heart says to thee, “Thy face, Lord, do I seek.” 9 Hide not thy face from me.
Praying for Cardinal Zen's recovery, it would be so sad if we lost him too. That trip to Rome was so hard on him.
The good ones end up slandered and in prison whilst the bad ones get promoted from nowhere. It is so easy to see who is in control. 1 John 5:19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
God bless good and faithful Cardinal Zen. He seems to be gathering up his flock towards Himself...and quickly. Perhaps to get them away and spare them from something. May the Lord have mercy on us all.
