Vatican City: The bishops of Hong Kong and Macau have returned from their ad limina visit to Rome with a renewed sense of mission, unity, and hope, describing their meetings with Pope Leo XIV and Vatican officials as a powerful experience of communion with the universal Church.
The visit came at a significant moment for both dioceses. The Diocese of Macau is celebrating the 450th anniversary of its foundation, while the Diocese of Hong Kong is marking 80 years since it was elevated to diocesan status. Church leaders said these milestones provided an opportunity to reflect on their history while looking ahead to the future with renewed missionary enthusiasm.
Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau yan, Bishop of Hong Kong, said the visit offered a practical experience of synodality, a process that emphasizes listening, dialogue, discernment, and walking together in faith. During their meeting with Pope Leo XIV, the bishops presented him with a scroll containing the Chinese translation of the word synodality used in Hong Kong and Macau.
According to the Cardinal, the phrase means discussing together, discerning together, and journeying together. He explained that this understanding was reflected in their encounter with the Pope, who carefully listened to the experiences and concerns shared by the bishops.
Cardinal Chow described Pope Leo XIV as a patient and attentive listener. He said the opportunity to speak openly with the Holy Father allowed the bishops to share their experiences and understanding of the Church's mission, especially in relation to China. At the same time, they were able to hear directly from the Pope about his hopes, concerns, and vision for the Church.
The Cardinal stressed that this mutual exchange of ideas and experiences is at the heart of synodality. He noted that such conversations help strengthen understanding and support better discernment for the Church's future mission.
Bishop Stephen Lee Bun sang of Macau said the anniversary celebrations in his diocese are centered on gratitude and renewal. He expressed thanks for the generations of missionaries who brought the Christian faith to Macau and used the city as a gateway for evangelization across many parts of Asia.
He said the Church in Macau is grateful for the sacrifices made by missionaries who dedicated their lives to spreading the Gospel. Their witness, he added, remains a source of inspiration for Catholics today.
Bishop Lee explained that the jubilee celebrations are not only about remembering the past but also about renewing the Church's commitment to its mission. He encouraged all Catholics, including newly baptized believers, to embrace a missionary spirit and actively share the message of the Gospel.
He said renewal involves growing in holiness while also strengthening the desire to bring God's mercy and love to others. The anniversary theme invites believers to recognize God's merciful presence throughout the history of the diocese and to carry that experience into the future.
Bishop Joseph Ha Chi shing, Auxiliary Bishop of Hong Kong, also emphasized the importance of hope as the central theme of the diocese's anniversary celebrations. He said the Gospel has been a source of hope for generations of Catholics and that today's faithful have a responsibility to pass that hope on to future generations.
Reflecting on the ad limina pilgrimage, Bishop Ha described it as a special and meaningful moment that deepened the bishops' connection with the universal Church. Through their meetings in Rome and their audience with Pope Leo XIV, they experienced a strong sense of belonging to the wider community of believers around the world.
He said this experience of unity strengthens the local Church and encourages Catholics to continue sharing the hope found in the Gospel. Looking ahead, Bishop Ha said the mission of today's Catholics is to become witnesses and missionaries for future generations, ensuring that the message of faith continues to flourish in Hong Kong, Macau, and beyond.
The bishops agreed that their visit to Rome was not only a time of reflection but also a source of encouragement, helping them return home with renewed commitment to mission, dialogue, and hope for the future.