Sense of Duty Guided Imprisoned Cardinal : Catholics: The man who was secretly given the post 12 years ago spent 30 years in captivity in China. He says he does not consider the title a reward for his suffering.

Twelve years ago, as Bishop Ignatius Gong Pinmei languished in solitary confinement in a Chinese prison, the Pope secretly named him a cardinal.

On Wednesday, Pope John Paul II announced to the world that Gong, now a Stamford resident, will receive the title in June in a formal ceremony in Rome.

Gong, 89, had been imprisoned for refusing to renounce the Pope and the church. His elevation to cardinal was kept secret to protect him from additional persecution.

Gong said last week that he does not consider the title a reward for the 30 years he spent in prison.

“I never thought of a reward from my suffering. It was never on my mind,” Gong said during an interview at his residence in a wing of St. Joseph Medical Center in Stamford. “It was my duty.”

Gong was brought to Connecticut in 1988 from Shanghai by a nephew, who spent two years obtaining a medical visa for his uncle. The cardinal, who suffers from cataracts and heart problems, is still considered the only legitimate leader of his diocese in China.

During Gong’s imprisonment, a Chinese general offered to release the prelate if he would simply nod his head to reject the church. Gong refused.

Wednesday’s announcement came as no surprise to Gong. He said he had learned of his elevation during a 1988 audience with the Pope.

“The Pope made me promise to keep it a secret, and I don’t think you break promises you make with the holy father,” he said with a wink that prompted laughter from relatives who interpreted for him.

Gong had called relatives and invited them to an early morning Mass on Wednesday in the hospital chapel. After Mass, he told them the news.

The priest’s small quarters were enlivened by bouquets of flowers and telegrams from prelates around the country.

“I consider this an honor for the Catholics in China,” said Gong, who will celebrate the 61st anniversary of his ordination as a priest this week. “I think it is an expression of the holy father’s love for China.”

Observers of the long-strained relationship between the Vatican and Beijing said the Pope’s announcement was rife with symbolism. They described it as recognition of the estimated 8 million Chinese Roman Catholics worshiping in secret. Also, they said, the announcement means that Gong might never be permitted to return to his homeland.

Talks between China and the Vatican have not resulted in a reconciliation between the church and the Communist government, which still holds many priests in prison. Sticking points include China’s insistence that it appoint its own priests and bishops, while the Vatican will not yield to the government’s demand that it sever ties with Taiwan.

Gong “is the only bishop of Shanghai and now soon he will be the cardinal, but this is still a country where you are considered a traitor if you pledge allegiance to Rome,” said Father Louis Chow, a priest at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Torrington, Conn. Chow was a young boy when he met Gong in China.

“My personal opinion is that the holy father held off on this announcement because he wanted to have a chance to reconcile with China. But he was tired of waiting,” said Chow, who as a teen-ager was imprisoned with Gong for observance of his religion. “I pray every day that he can go back, but I don’t know if that will ever happen. If he goes, I will be the first to follow, but I don’t know if he will go.”

Gong was reluctant to talk about returning to China, and his nephew said the topic remains “very sensitive.”

“I hope I can. I hope I can go sometime,” Gong said. “I still hope the Chinese government will establish relations with the Vatican. Whether that will happen--nobody knows.”

Observers of Vatican-Chinese relations remain skeptical. For example, the archbishop of Canton--who was imprisoned by the Chinese for 22 years and later allowed to seek medical treatment in Hong Kong--was elevated by Rome during his convalescence but then denied permission to re-enter China.

Father Paul Chan, director of the Chinese Catholic Information Center in New York City, said the elevation contained a clear message.

“The Holy See is making a strong statement about human rights and oppression,” Chan said. “The attention this brings could put more pressure on China from a human rights perspective.”