In a heartfelt message following the announcement of his appointment as Cardinal, Archbishop Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, S.V.D., of Tokyo expressed his deep humility and surprise at the news, calling on the faithful for their continued prayers.
"Thank you for your kind words of congratulations. I am humbled, surprised, and shaken. I need your prayers more than ever before," said Cardinal-elect Kikuchi, reflecting on the moment he learned of his nomination.
Returning from a Mass for the Japanese community at the SVD Generalate in Rome, the Cardinal-elect recounted how a young man congratulated him outside St. Peter's Basilica after hearing his name mentioned during the Angelus.
Initially, Kikuchi thought it was a joke. It wasn’t until he reached his residence at Domus that Cardinal Rueda of Bogotá played a recording of Pope Francis announcing his name during the Angelus, confirming the honor.
Kikuchi acknowledged that this appointment is not only an honor for himself but also for the Catholic Church in Japan, the Archdiocese of Tokyo, the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), Caritas Internationalis, and the Society of the Divine Word (SVD).
He highlighted the historical significance of his appointment, noting that in the 150-year history of the SVD, there has only been one other Cardinal, Thomas Tien of Beijing.
"While I am afraid to be nominated, I am happy to know some of the others who have been appointed today," Kikuchi said, mentioning Archbishop Ladislav Nemet, his fellow SVD member, Bishop Pablo David of the Philippines, with whom he worked in FABC, and Fr. Fabio Baggio, known for his work in migrant ministry. He also expressed joy at the appointment of Timothy Radcliffe, who served as retreat master for the Synod.
Cardinal-elect Kikuchi thanked the Holy Father for his trust and reiterated his request for prayers as he prepares to take on this significant role in service to the Church.
Cardinal-elect Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, SVD, is the second member of the Divine Word Missionaries (SVD) to be appointed to the position, following Cardinal Thomas Tien Ken-sin, SVD, from China, who was made a Cardinal in 1946 and served as the Archbishop of Beijing.
The third SVD appointee, Archbishop Ladislav Nemet of Beograd-Smederevo (Serbia), was appointed alongside Cardinal-elect Kikuchi on October 6, 2024.
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