HONG KONG — Pope Francis has sent condolences and a blessing to
the Hong Kong Diocese following the Jan. 3 death of Bishop Yeung Ming-cheung,
73, of liver failure.
The pope also named Cardinal John Tong Hon, retired bishop of
Hong Kong, to administer the diocese until a new bishop is appointed by the
Vatican, reported ucanews.com.
A Jan. 5 letter sent on behalf of Pope Francis conveyed his
personal sadness to the clergy, religious and lay faithful there.
"United with them in prayerful thanksgiving for Bishop
Yeung's years of priestly and episcopal ministry, His Holiness commends his
soul to our heavenly Father's merciful love," the letter stated.
"To all who mourn the late bishop's passing, Pope Francis
cordially imparts his apostolic blessing as a pledge of consolation and
strength in the risen Lord."
The letter was sent by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, secretary of
state, via Hong Kong representatives at the Vatican.
Bishop Yeung's body will lie in repose in the Cathedral of the
Immaculate Conception beginning Jan. 10, when a vigil Mass will be celebrated
by Cardinal Joseph Zen.
A funeral Mass will be concelebrated Jan. 11 at the cathedral,
presided over by Cardinal Tong.
Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing will preside over the burial
rite at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.
Bishop Yeung was born in Shanghai Dec. 1, 1945, and was ordained
a priest in Hong Kong in 1978. He served as chairman and CEO of Caritas Hong
Kong for more than a decade.
Bishop Yeung was ordained as one of the three auxiliary bishops
Aug. 30, 2014. In November 2016, Pope Francis named him coadjutor bishop with
automatic rights to succeed Cardinal Tong.