Pope Francis announces five Asian Cardinals among 21 new appointments in upcoming Consistory

Pope Francis has announced a Consistory for the creation of 21 new Cardinals, among them four distinguished leaders from the Asian Church.

These appointees represent the vibrant diversity and dynamic contributions of the Church in Asia, underscoring the global mission of the Catholic Church.

The five prominent Cardinals-elect from Asia are:

1. Archbishop Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, S.V.D. (Japan)

Archbishop Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo is a member of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) and is recognized for his commitment to the marginalized and his efforts in promoting interreligious dialogue.

A passionate advocate for peace and social justice, Archbishop Kikuchi has played a significant role both in Japan and globally. His leadership in Caritas Internationalis reflects his unwavering dedication to humanitarian outreach, bringing hope and aid to vulnerable communities worldwide.

2. Bishop Pablo Virgilio Siongco David (Philippines)

Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan is a highly respected voice in the Philippine Church, known for his courageous stance against social injustices.

An outspoken advocate for human rights, Bishop David has worked tirelessly with the poor and marginalized, particularly in addressing the pressing issues of poverty and inequality in the Philippines. His pastoral leadership has made him a pivotal figure in upholding the dignity of those most vulnerable in society.

3. Bishop Paskalis Bruno Syukur, O.F.M. (Indonesia)

Bishop Paskalis Bruno Syukur of Bogor, a Franciscan, is renowned for his commitment to environmental stewardship and fostering interfaith dialogue. In Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, Bishop Syukur has been instrumental in promoting peace and mutual respect between Christians and Muslims.

His environmental advocacy, particularly regarding climate change and care for creation, aligns closely with Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’, making him a vital voice in the Church’s global environmental efforts.

4. Archbishop Dominique Joseph Mathieu, O.F.M. Conv. (Iran)

Archbishop Dominique Joseph Mathieu serves as the Archbishop of Tehran-Ispahan, Iran, and is a member of the Conventual Franciscans. He leads the small Catholic community in a predominantly Muslim nation, where his mission is marked by efforts to promote understanding and peaceful coexistence between different faiths.

His work exemplifies the Church’s dedication to supporting Christian minorities in challenging contexts, fostering dialogue, and building bridges in difficult environments.

5. Mgr George Jacob Koovakad, (India) 

Mgr. George Jacob Koovakad, a member of the Syro-Malabar Church, serves as an official in the Vatican’s Secretariat of State, where he is primarily responsible for organizing papal travel. He has played a pivotal role in coordinating and managing the logistics of Pope Francis’s Apostolic Journeys across the globe, ensuring the smooth and efficient execution of these significant events.

His responsibilities involve overseeing the intricate details of papal visits, including security, diplomatic relations, and communication with local authorities. Mgr. Koovakad’s expertise in these areas makes him a key figure in the Vatican’s international outreach, contributing greatly to the success of the Pope’s global mission.

The Consistory, scheduled for December 8, 2024, at the Vatican, will coincide with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a day of great significance in the Catholic Church.

The event was announced during the Holy Father’s Sunday Angelus, and it will take place before the opening of the 2025 Jubilee of Hope, following the conclusion of the Second Session of the Synod on Synodality.

In his message, Pope Francis emphasized the international composition of the new Cardinal-elects, highlighting the Church’s universal mission to proclaim God’s love to all corners of the world. The appointment of these leaders from diverse regions reflects the Church's ongoing commitment to its global outreach.

Following the Consistory, the College of Cardinals will grow to 256 members, with 141 of them eligible to participate in a future papal conclave.

Pope Francis called upon the faithful to pray for the new Cardinals, asking that they may remain steadfast in their devotion to Christ and continue to serve the Church with wisdom and compassion in their new roles.