New Bangkok archbishop installed: ‘My desire is to listen’

The Archdiocese of Bangkok, Thailand, received its new prelate, Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana, on March 2.

He was formally installed at the Assumption Cathedral in the presence of Archbishop Peter Brian Wells, Apostolic Nuncio to Thailand, the clergy, and the faithful of Bangkok.

Archbishop Arpondratana succeeds Cardinal Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij, who retired in June 2024 after reaching the required retirement age of 75.

As the archbishop of Bangkok, he will also oversee the headquarters of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) and Caritas Asia, which are located in Bangkok.

In an interview with LiCAS News before his installation, Arpondratana said his utmost desire is to “listen to the Holy Spirit” and his fellow bishops, priests, religious, and laity.

“Guided by the teachings of the Church, we may walk together in faith, through joys and challenges, bringing the joyful proclamation of the Gospel to all,” he said.

He urged the faithful to dedicate 2025, a Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church, to “prayer, pilgrimage, acts of charity, and reconciliation.”

Arpondratana also expressed his happiness at returning to Bangkok, the city of his priestly ordination in 1981.

“I know that I am not the best, but I will do my best to help the Archdiocese of Bangkok become a true community of Christ’s disciples, proclaiming the New Evangelization,” he said.

Before becoming its prelate, Arpondratana held the positions of Bishop of Chiang Mai and Apostolic Administrator in Bangkok.

He also served as rector of St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, director of the Diocesan Catechetical Center, and secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand.