Hong Kong is a "sitting city", according to the editor of the territory's Roman Catholic weekly newspaper, the Sunday Examiner.
In a Vatican Radio interview, Fr Jim Mulroney said that city authorities had shown themselves intransigent in the face of pro-democracy protesters' demands: "It seems to me to be coming more apparent that they can only do what Beijing tells them they can do. What we have ended up with is a sitting city. We have got students sitting in the street and the government sitting on its hands."
Demonstrations erupted after China said that it would not allow a free vote for the territory's new leader. Some Christian leaders have backed the campaign and many churches have opened their doors to provide refuge and facilities for the protesters. Scuffles broke out when police tried to remove demonstrators from major thoroughfares. A video showing one being beaten went viral and added to the tensions.
The demonstrators have had a major impact on the life of the city. However, said Fr Mulroney: "They have been attacked by triads, they were attacked by taxi drivers and truck drivers who have been getting frustrated. But what is interesting is that support for them is growing. Even people who may not support their tactics support their ultimate goal."
The rising tensions have drawn an appeal for calm from the city's Anglican leader.
Archbishop Paul Kwong issued a statement in which he admitted that "Men and women from all walks of life have taken different standpoints on the Occupy movement as communities, families, schools, and churches become increasingly divided over claims and counter-claims that have been made.
"Many people have been inconvenienced by what is happening on the streets, and although the number of protesters has decreased over the past week, the conflict has not been resolved."
He continued: "In order to engage in real dialogue, we need to develop greater trust in one another. However this is not yet happening. Our clergy and laity, and all people in Hong Kong share the gravity of the situation, and acknowledge the present ordeal as an extraordinarily difficult time of trial. We will face a situation of deep internal conflict and division for a long time to come."
He stressed the Church's ministry of reconciliation and pastoral care, concluding: "Let us work together for this territory and for our country as we seek to understand one another and resolve our differences."
