On Saturday, Pope Francis elevated 21 new cardinals from across the globe, including four prominent leaders from Asia, reflecting the Church’s commitment to inclusivity and its global mission.
The appointments highlight diverse leadership dedicated to fostering interfaith dialogue, championing social justice, and strengthening the Church’s presence in challenging regions.
1. Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, SVD (Japan).
As the Archbishop of Tokyo, Cardinal Kikuchi is renowned for his dedication to marginalized communities and interfaith cooperation.
His humanitarian work as the head of Caritas Internationalis has been instrumental in providing relief and hope to vulnerable populations worldwide.
His key achievements include advocacy for peace, social justice, and interreligious dialogue.
Ordained in 1986, Kikuchi served as a parish priest in Ghana and later became a voice for global humanitarian efforts.
2. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio S. David (Philippines).
Known for his staunch advocacy for human rights and social justice, Cardinal David has been a vocal critic of the Philippine war on drugs, decrying the extrajudicial killings that claimed thousands of lives.
His leadership as president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines underscores his commitment to the poor and marginalized.
His key achievements: Championing human dignity and condemning societal violence.
David was Born in 1959 in Pampanga, he was elected CBCP president in 2021.
3. Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu, OFM Conventual (Iran)
Cardinal Mathieu leads the small Catholic community in Iran as the Archbishop of Tehran-Ispahan. He is recognized for promoting harmony among religions and advocating for Christian minorities in challenging contexts.
Key achievements: Building interfaith bridges in predominantly Muslim regions.
He is a Luxembourg native, Mathieu has been a member of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual. Since 1984 and served in leadership roles within the order.
4. Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad (India)
A Vatican diplomat from India’s Syro-Malabar Church, Cardinal Koovakad is entrusted with managing logistics and security for the Pope’s apostolic journeys. His expertise has been integral to the success of papal missions around the world.
Key achievements: Coordination of papal visits and fostering diplomatic relations.
He was born in Kerala in 1973, Koovakad was ordained in 2004 and has since played a vital role in the Vatican’s global outreach.
The new cardinals represent diverse regions, including Latin America, Africa, Europe, and North America.
Their appointments reflect Pope Francis’s vision of a Church rooted in local realities while addressing global challenges.
The Pope emphasized the significance of unity, compassion, and collaboration in their mission.
This latest consistory underscores the Church’s commitment to uplifting voices from underrepresented regions and tackling pressing issues such as social justice, interfaith dialogue, and environmental stewardship.
The elevation of leaders like Cardinal David, known for their courage in challenging injustices, reaffirms the Church’s role as a moral compass in turbulent times.
As these cardinals take on their responsibilities, they carry forward Pope Francis’s vision of a Church that walks in solidarity with the faithful and addresses the needs of a rapidly changing world.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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