Prize is awarded by 'Il Timone' magazine.

Rome (AsiaNews) – Card Joseph Zen will arrive in Italy tomorrow to receive the "Defensor Fidei" (defender of the faith) Award granted by the Il Timone (The Helm) magazine during a ceremony to be held in Oreno (Milan) on May 27.  The magazine, which has emerged in the last few years as a major publication of Christian apologetics involved in an intelligent and coherent debate with secularism, has decided to give the prelate € 10,000 for his commitment to religious freedom in Hong Kong and China.

In the last few weeks the cardinal has spoken out in favour of the Holy See's right to name Chinese bishops after two bishops were appointed by China's Patriotic Association and Religious Affairs Bureau without the consent of the Pope.

Cardinal Zen said that he was "grateful and honoured" to receive the award, adding that he will use the money to lodge young people coming to the Asia Youth Day, a meeting for Catholics from around the world that will be held in Hong Kong at the end of July.

Cardinal Zen will also be in Rome to take title to the St Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church of which he is titular bishop.

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