Hong Kong’s national security police on Wednesday arrested Cardinal Joseph Zen, one of the most senior Catholic clerics in Asia, and four others who helped run a now-disbanded humanitarian fund for protesters, media reported.

One legal source familiar with the matter told Reuters that five people had been arrested including Zen, 90; senior barrister Margaret Ng, 74; activist and pop singer Denise Ho; former lawmaker Cyd Ho; and former academic Hui Po-keung.

Zen has long been an advocate of democratic causes in Hong Kong and China, and has spoken out against China’s growing authoritarianism under President Xi Jinping. Hui had already been arrested at the airport on Tuesday night for alleged “collusion with foreign forces” according to media reports.

Pope in peace call

Pope Francis on Wednesday appealed to the people of Sri Lanka to make their voices heard in a peaceful manner and asked the leaders to heed their demands.

“I address a special thought to the people of SriLanka, especially the young. I urge everyone to maintain a peaceful approach, without giving in to violence. I appeal to all those with the responsibility to listen to the aspirations of the people, respecting human and civil rights,” the pope said on Twitter.

Speaking during Wednesday’s General Audience at the Vatican, the pope said he sends his greetings especially to the “young people who in recent times have made their cry heard in the face of the country's social and economic challenges and problems”.

PTI