By Andrew L. Jaffee

Pope Benedict XVI has struck a blow against Beijing’s communist dictators and in support of democracy in Hong Kong. The Pope promoted Hong Kong’s Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, an outspoken critic of China’s tyrants, from bishop to cardinal. From the BBC:

…the cardinal has always been an outspoken critic of the Chinese government, and he has given few signs that he will soften his approach now he is in a more high-profile position. …

After Hong Kong was handed over to China in 1997, his outspoken support for democracy put him in direct opposition to Beijing.

He played a high-profile role in the mass pro-democracy rally of July 2003, and became one of the spiritual and moral voices of the democrats.

He has openly criticised the Beijing-backed chief executive of Hong Kong, Donald Tsang - a good friend and practising Catholic - for his eagerness to please Beijing, and his failure to push for a democratic Hong Kong.

Supporters of democracy in Hong Kong have worked peaceably for freedom. They deserve our support.