HONORING CARDINAL KUNG
Honoring Cardinal Kung, who endured imprisonment for the Faith and spent his final years here in Stamford, Connecticut.
Ignatius Cardinal Kung Pin-Mei (1901–2000) was a Chinese Catholic bishop who spent nearly 30 years in prison under the communist regime, much of it in solitary confinement, because he refused to renounce his allegiance to Jesus Christ, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Pope. In 1979, while he was still serving a life sentence, Pope John Paul II secretly created him a cardinal in pectore; his elevation was made public in 1991.
After his release, Cardinal Kung was invited by Bishop Walter W. Curtis to reside in the Diocese of Bridgeport. He lived in Stamford for nine years, continued to speak and celebrate Mass, and tirelessly advocated for the Church’s freedom in China until his death in 2000. Cardinal Kung is our namesake for his steadfast fidelity to Christ and the Magisterium, his love of classical learning, and his deep connection to our local community, an enduring witness for students and families today.
“Neither sword nor fire can take away my faith in God.”
— Ignatius Cardinal Kung
Life and legacy: Key Moments
1901: Born in China; homeschooled through sixth grade; later attends a Jesuit high school.
1930: Ordained a priest; teaches high school Latin and history.
1949: Appointed the first native Chinese Bishop of Shanghai.
1955: Arrested by the Chinese government for loyalty to the Holy See.
1960: Sentenced to life imprisonment; spends much of his sentence in solitary confinement.
1979: Named a cardinal in pectore by Pope John Paul II while still imprisoned.
1985: Released from prison and placed under parole/house arrest.
May 1988: Permitted to travel to the United States for medical care and to reunite with family; later resides in Stamford at the Retired Clergy Home.
1991: His creation as cardinal is publicly announced.
1990s: Advocates internationally for religious freedom in China and communion with the Pope.
March 12, 2000: Dies at age 98 at his nephew’s home in Stamford; funeral held at what is now the Basilica of St. John the Evangelist
Today: Efforts are underway to open the cause for his canonization
This mural of Cardinal Kung was created by CKA students and resides in our hallway.