HONG KONG, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- Chinese religious and political figures have welcomed the pope's elevation of Hong Kong's Bishop Joseph Zen to cardinal, calling it an honor for all China.
Anthony Lu Bainian
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Zen was among 15 cardinals named Wednesday by Pope Benedict XVI, including three from Asia -- Nicholas Cheong, archbishop of Seoul, became South Korea's second cardinal
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Zen, an outspoken advocate of democracy and human rights, is the only cardinal representing China in the Vatican's electoral college.
After hearing news of his appointment, Zen said the pope's decision to include him among the small group of cardinals appointed at this time showed he placed priority on relations with China.
China and the Vatican have no diplomatic ties
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