Joseph Zen

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Covers

Joseph Zen's achievements are remarkable for their moral and spiritual weight. As one of the few cardinals to have been arrested for his beliefs, he stands as a symbol of resistance against religious persecution. His elevation to cardinal in 2006 was a historic moment for the Chinese Church, and his continued activism into his nineties has inspired many. He has been described as an anti-communism hero and a leading voice for freedom in Asia, earning him deep respect among Catholics and human rights advocates worldwide.

AwardsJoseph Zen received the Victims of Communism Memorial Award from the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, recognizing his advocacy for human rights and religious freedom. This is a significant honour that underscores his lifelong commitment to these causes.

Honours & Distinctions

Cardinalate

Pope Benedict XVI·2006

Elevated to the College of Cardinals, a rare honour for a Chinese prelate.

Bishop Emeritus of Hong Kong

Catholic Church·2009

Honorary title upon retirement from the diocese.

Ph.D.

Salesian Pontifical University

Doctorate in theological and philosophical studies.

Magazine Covers

Christianity Today

January 13, 2026

The 94-Year-Old Hong Kong Cardinal Fighting for Chinese Freedom

Zenit.org

January 12, 2026

This Is Cardinal Joseph Zen's Controversial Speech During the Last Consistory

Catholic Herald

March 6, 2026

Cardinal Zen compares SSPX to the prophet Joseph in defence of planned consecrations