Hong Kong Cardinal Joseph Zen, who has been a vocal critic of the Chinese Communist Party, said in a recent interview that the Vatican has “surrendered the Church” to Beijing by failing to criticize the looming national security law in Hong Kong.

The 88-year-old said the “dangerous, foolish” move is putting Hong Kong at risk, adding that he expected “something terrible” to happen in the city when the laws are in force.

The dire warnings came as thousands on Thursday defied a police ban on an annual vigil held in Victoria Park to commemorate Beijing’s crackdown against the pro-democracy movement in 1989. Hong Kong police said the gathering was banned because of a need for social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but organizers have called the ban a politically motivated move to shut down an event where protesters voice opposition to a one-party system.

Cardinal Zen said the controversial national security law will further put the city’s autonomy at risk. “It seems that this is going to destroy completely what they promised to Hong Kong in terms of autonomy,” he said in an interview with Crux.

He said that while details to the laws are not yet known, Beijing’s control over the city’s affairs will be stronger than ever. “I think really, we are expecting something terrible.”

“I’m sorry to say that we have nothing to expect from the Vatican. In these past few years, they have never said anything to reproach China for their persecution,” he lamented, adding the Holy See has “surrendered the Church to the Chinese authority.”

Having served as Bishop of Hong Kong from 2002-2009, Zen has been a high-profile opponent of the Communist Party regime and supporter of democracy. Zen said the Diocese has refrained from appointing a new bishop after the passing of Michael Yeung Ming-cheung more than a year ago due to “political considerations.”

“That should be easy to find someone,” he said. “I don’t think that the choice of a bishop should be guided by these political reasons. So, we are worried,” Zen added.

“Maybe the Holy See is not following the criterion of faith, but is subject to political considerations, and that’s very dangerous for our diocese.”

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