Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão Ascends to Lead FABC Amidst Asia’s Growing Church

Bangkok, February 22, 2024 – A new chapter in the chronicles of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) unfolds as Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão is elected its new President. The prelate, renowned for his pastoral acumen and theological depth, will commence his leadership role in January 2025, succeeding Cardinal Charles Maung Bo.

Cardinal Ferrão, the esteemed Archbishop of Goa and Daman, and Patriarch ad honorem of the East Indies, has been a vibrant presence in ecclesial forums, exemplified by his tenure as the President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI). His election by the central Committee in Bangkok, from February 19 to 22, heralds a continued era of insightful governance and evangelistic outreach for the Church in Asia.

The Cardinal’s ecclesiastical journey, marked by his ordination in 1979, has been one of dedicated service and scholarly pursuit. His academic credentials, including a licentiate in biblical theology from the Pontifical Urbanian University and in catechetics and pastoral theology from the International Lumen Vitae Institute, underpin his profound understanding of the Church’s mission.

Cardinal Ferrão’s pastoral assignments have spanned from parish vicarates to significant roles within the Archdiocese of Goa. His episcopal responsibilities were further expanded following his appointment as archbishop in 2004 by Saint John Paul II. A man of multifarious talents, Cardinal Ferrão’s polyglotism enhances his capacity to engage with diverse communities, embodying the FABC’s inclusive vision.

Elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope Francis in 2022, Cardinal Ferrão’s contributions to the Dicastery for Evangelization underscore his commitment to the Church’s missionary mandate. His previous roles as Vice President of the CCBI and CBCI, and his chairmanship of various offices reflect a career dedicated to advocating for justice, peace, and laity empowerment.

The Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences stands as a testament to the vitality of the Asian Church, representing an amalgam of rich cultural heritages and dynamic spiritual traditions. The FABC’s mission, to foster among its members solidarity and co-responsibility for the welfare of the Church and society in Asia, aligns seamlessly with Cardinal Ferrão’s pastoral philosophy.

Cardinal Ferrão’s election arrives at a time when the Asian Church is navigating the crosscurrents of modernity and tradition. His experience and strategic vision are anticipated to steer the FABC towards new horizons of evangelization, interreligious dialogue, and ecclesial collaboration.

As the Cardinal prepares to guide the FABC, there is a palpable sense of expectancy for a period of renewal and deepened faith engagement across the Asian continent. The Church in Asia, with its myriad languages, traditions, and challenges, looks forward to Cardinal Ferrão’s presidency with optimism and hope for a future imbued with Gospel values and the spirit of Christ’s love.