SW News: Following his return from the funeral of Benedict XVI in Rome, Cardinal Joseph Zen's health began to deteriorate, and he was admitted to a hospital in Hong Kong. The 91-year-old cardinal revealed on his blog that he was receiving medical attention in a hospital after having breathing problems.
The prelate claimed that after extensive testing, the physicians had concluded that he did not have a bacterial infection in his lungs, as he had in 2016 when he spent three weeks in the hospital.
"I have been residing in the hospital, which is why you have not heard from me. Please know that I am receiving the best medical treatment available in Hong Kong," he added.
In the blog entry titled "Letter to Inmates," Cardinal Zen provided the health update. The prelate has spent the last 10 years volunteering his time in Hong Kong's prison ministry, where he has baptized numerous inmates.
He wrote on his blog, “When I went to Rome, I felt that I was a Catholic representing all of Hong Kong and all of China, expressing our love to Pope Benedict XVI.”
“Those four days were truly miraculous, not only because I was able to attend the funeral mass, but because I was able to go to Benedict's coffin before the mass and rest my head on it to mourn; After his burial, I had the special opportunity to go down to the basement of St. Peter's Basilica and pray in the place where Benedict's coffin was placed. I'm grateful to be able to attend.”
“Those four happy days were also very hard. Before I left, I had shoulder inflammation, back pain, and numbness in my hands, so I had been working as a patient in the seminary for more than 10 days after I returned, and it was impossible to come out to visit my friends. But I always thought that these problems would gradually improve and recover.”
He reassured his readers that the most senior doctor in Hong Kong is taking care of him, and will continue to pray for everyone. The prelate also urged everyone to remember him in their prayers.