The outspoken leader of the Catholic Church yesterday urged people to vote for a 'victory of democracy'. Bishop Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, who is known for supporting the introduction of universal suffrage, said despite Hong Kong's future being clouded by political uncertainty, people should make an effort to build a more just and generous society. In a prayer session at the Rosary Church in Tsim Sha Tsui, more than 100 Catholics prayed that the election would return legislators who would build a democratic and prosperous city. 'Don't be afraid. It will be a victory of democracy if many people turn up to vote. We should all act to show that we value our chance to participate,' Bishop Zen said. He said although it was difficult to foresee how Hong Kong could change after the election, it was the duty of everyone to vote for a better future. 'Even though darkness encloses the future, we have to make the effort,' he said. Since the handover, people had been 'misled' into welcoming 'unjust government policies', such as denying right of abode for mainland children with parents in Hong Kong, cutting welfare and taking advantage of foreign workers. While Bishop Zen said the church would stay neutral and only ask followers to vote with their 'conscience', some of those gathered openly prayed for a landslide victory for the pro-democracy camp. 'I hope God will bless the democrats so we can continue to enjoy a free and democratic environment,' one Catholic prayed. A group of Protestants and church leaders represented by the Hong Kong Christian Council also prayed for the election yesterday.