For a country surrounded by an openly anti-Christian regime, Hong Kong has seen a surprising surge in conversions over the past decade. On Easter of this year, around 2,500 new converts are estimated to join the Catholic Church.
Hong Kong has long been a place of refuge for Catholics fleeing Chinese communist oppression. Since 1949, Chinese Catholics have poured into the diocese, seeking religious freedom and distance from the Chinese Communist Party's coercion.
However, in following a year of pro-democracy protests in 2019, the Hong Kong National Security Law was instated in 2020, increasing China's grip on Hong Kong and making any open promotion for Hong Kong's secession from China considered a crime.
In 2022, five trustees of the “612 Humanitarian Relief Fund” were arrested on suspicion of “colluding with foreign forces,” including Cardinal Joseph Zen, bishop emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong.
CARD. JOSEPH ZEN
Bishop Emeritus, Hong Kong
As all believers, we must be optimistic. But it doesn't mean that we can hope in immediate success because every relation depends on two parts. And now if China doesn't change its policy, there's nothing we can expect.
However, the citizens of Hong Kong never left their faith. In fact, the effect was quite the opposite. According fides.org, roughly 2,500 catechumins are expected to be baptized on Easter Sunday of 2026, similar numbers to 2025.
It is a sign that, especially for younger generations, the Church continues to be a beacon for the faithful in some of the most challenging geopolitical situations.
Charlotte Twetten
