Archbishop Francis
Xavier Vira Arpondratana receives the crosier during his installation as the
new Archbishop of Bangkok at Assumption Cathedral on March 2, 2025. Photo by
Peter Monthienvichienchai/ LiCAS News
‘Pilgrims of hope’: New Bangkok Archbishop calls for
renewal and evangelization
The Catholic Church in Thailand has ushered in new
leadership as Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana was installed as the
Archbishop of Bangkok on Sunday, March 2, at Assumption Cathedral.
By Chainarong Monthienvichienchai - Thailand, LiCAS
News
Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana's appointment
comes at a pivotal time for the Archdiocese of Bangkok, which not only serves
as the heart of Catholicism in Thailand but also houses the headquarters of the
Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) and Caritas Asia—key
institutions shaping the Church’s mission across the region.
As he assumes office, Archbishop Arpondratana steps into a
role that carries both local pastoral duties and a wider influence on the
Church in Asia.
The canonical possession of the Archdiocese of Bangkok was
marked by the presentation of the Papal Apostolic Letter of appointment,
signifying the official mandate from Pope Francis.
The installation culminated in the seating of the new
archbishop in the cathedra (bishop’s chair), a symbolic act
confirming his leadership of one of Thailand’s most historically significant
archdioceses.
Ahead of the Eucharistic celebration, diocesan priests
reaffirmed their respect and obedience to their new archbishop. They and
representatives of religious congregations in the archdiocese lined up to
express their loyalty by kissing his episcopal ring.
The ceremony was attended by the two cardinals of Thailand,
bishops, priests, religious, and Catholic faithful from across the country, as
well as government officials and representatives of Thailand’s major
religions—Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Brahmanism-Hinduism, and Sikhism—who
offered their congratulations at the end of the Eucharistic Liturgy.
Archbishop Peter Brian Wells, the Apostolic Nuncio to
Thailand, delivered a congratulatory message on behalf of the Holy See,
acknowledging the significance of the occasion for the Church in Thailand,
saying, “This joyous occasion is a blessing for the Church in Thailand and the
Archdiocese of Bangkok, as one of their own sons assumes the role of shepherd.”
The Apostolic Nuncio praised Archbishop Arpondratana’s
dedication and service as Bishop of Chiang Mai, highlighting his commitment to
the poor and marginalized.
“Your experiences have prepared you well for the
responsibilities ahead,” he said, encouraging the new archbishop with
Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Him who strengthens
me." He also urged him to follow the missionary zeal of his namesake, St.
Francis Xavier.
The newly installed Archbishop of Bangkok responded by
expressing his deep gratitude, acknowledging the long history of the
Archdiocese of Bangkok and his privilege in continuing its mission. “I am
honored to be entrusted with this responsibility, especially in this Holy
Year,” he said.
Reflecting on his 15 years in Chiang Mai, Archbishop
Arpondratana thanked clergy, religious, and the faithful for their support
during challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and severe floods. He
highlighted his work in catechetical formation, including support for the
faithful, especially youth and religious sisters studying catechism at Lux
Mundi Major Seminary.
Archbishop Francis
Xavier Vira Arpondratana poses with bishops, priests, and clergy following his
installation as the new Archbishop of Bangkok at Assumption Cathedral on March
2, 2025. The ceremony was attended by Church leaders from across Thailand and
beyond. Photo by Peter Monthienvichienchai/ LiCAS News
He also extended appreciation to leaders of other faiths who
graced the ceremony with their presence, emphasizing the importance of interreligious
friendship in fostering a just and peaceful society in Thailand.
Archbishop
Arpondratana’s reflections
Before his installation ceremony, Archbishop Arpondratana
shared his gratitude and vision for his new role in an interview with LiCAS
News.
“I am deeply grateful to His Holiness Pope Francis for his
confidence in me and for entrusting me with this new role. I accept this
appointment with trust in Divine Providence,” he said. He also urged the
faithful to pray daily for Pope Francis’ health.
“I am glad to be back home in the Archdiocese of
Bangkok—this is home for me,” he said. Returning to the archdiocese where he
was ordained 44 years ago, Archbishop Arpondratana reaffirmed his commitment to
evangelization by embracing his episcopal motto, Omnia Facio Propter
Evangelium (“I do all things for the sake of the Gospel”), drawn from
1 Corinthians 9:23.
He expressed deep appreciation for his predecessors,
Cardinal Michael Michai Kitbunchu and Cardinal Francis Xavier Kriengsak
Kovithavanij, particularly commending Cardinal Francis Xavier Kriengsak
Kovithavanij’s initiative in establishing 12 mission stations, which he pledged
to continue in collaboration with the Thai Mission Society.
Speaking humbly to the clergy and faithful, he acknowledged
the weight of his new responsibilities. “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.”
In light of the Jubilee Year 2025, Archbishop Arpondratana
encouraged the faithful to embrace spiritual renewal under the theme Pilgrims
of Hope. “Let us renew our faith through prayer, pilgrimage, acts of
charity, and reconciliation,” he urged. He also underscored the importance of
synodality, echoing Pope Francis’ vision for a Church that walks together.
“In the past, a pastor led the flock with a shepherd’s
staff, but today, Pope Francis calls us to journey together, listening to one
another with our hearts. My desire is to listen—to the Holy Spirit, my fellow
bishops, priests, religious, and laity—so that, 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.”
Buddhist leaders
extend their greetings and well-wishes during the installation of Archbishop
Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana at Assumption Cathedral in Bangkok on March 2,
2025. Their participation underscores Thailand’s strong tradition of interfaith
dialogue and mutual respect among religious communities. Photo by Peter
Monthienvichienchai/ LiCAS News
Life of service to
Church
Before his appointment, Archbishop Arpondratana served as
Apostolic Administrator of Bangkok while continuing as Bishop of Chiang Mai, a
role he held since 2009.
Born in Bangkok’s St. Francis Xavier Parish, he was ordained
in 1981 by then-Archbishop Michael Michai Kitbunchu. Over the years, he held
key pastoral and academic roles, including Vice Rector of St. Joseph’s Minor
Seminary, Director of the Diocesan Catechetical Center, and Secretary of the
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand.
He also pursued further studies in Youth Pastoral Ministry
and Catechesis at the Salesian University in Rome.
The Archdiocese of Bangkok, originally established as the
Apostolic Vicariate of Siam in 1662, serves over 122,000 Catholics, just 0.9%
of Thailand’s predominantly Buddhist population. Covering 11 provinces, it
includes six suffragan dioceses: Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nakhon
Sawan, Ratchaburi, and Surat Thani.
As Archbishop Vira Arpondratana embarks on this new mission,
he carries forward a legacy of service, committed to strengthening the faith
and unity of the Catholic community. With a deep pastoral heart and a zeal for
evangelization, his leadership marks a new chapter for the Church in Thailand,
rooted in faith, hope, and a shared journey as missionary disciples.
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