Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão Assumes Leadership of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences

In a historic transition of leadership within the Asian Catholic Church, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), has officially assumed office as the President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) on 1 January 2025. He succeeds Cardinal Charles Muang Bo, SDB, President of the Episcopal Conference of Myanmar, who served as a steadfast leader of the FABC.

A Unified Voice for Asia

Cardinal Ferrão was elected as the President of the FABC during the Central Committee Meeting held in Bangkok on 22 February 2024. As President, he represents the collective voice of bishops across South, Southeast, East, and Central Asia. The FABC unites 15 Asian Catholic Bishops’ Conferences, including those of India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and many others, along with Associate Members like the bishops of Macau, Hong Kong, Mongolia, Nepal, and Novosibirsk (Russia).

For India, this role carries immense significance, as the FABC encompasses all its 277 bishops across the Latin, Syro-Malabar, and Syro-Malankara Churches, an evidence to the diverse yet unified embroidery of the Catholic Church in India.

New Leadership for Asian Catholicism

Joining Cardinal Ferrão in this leadership are two distinguished Church figures:

• Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kallokan, Philippines, who has been elected Vice President of the FABC.
• Cardinal Tarcisio Kikuchi, Archbishop of Tokyo, re-elected as the Secretary General, continuing his service in guiding the Federation.

Both Cardinals David and Kikuchi were elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope Francis during the Ordinary Consistory on 7 December 2024, further solidifying their role in shaping the Church’s future in Asia.

Cardinal Ferrão: A Vision for Renewal

As he steps into this significant role, Cardinal Ferrão brings with him a vision of spiritual renewal, pastoral care, and unity within the diverse Asian Catholic community. His leadership is anticipated to further the mission of the Church in addressing challenges such as religious persecution, environmental crises, and the call for interfaith dialogue across the region.

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church joins the entire Catholic community in India and Asia in extending heartfelt congratulations to Cardinal Ferrão. May his leadership, inspired by the Holy Spirit, guide the Church in Asia to flourish in faith and service.

Let us pray for Cardinal Ferrão, the new leadership team, and the mission of the FABC, as they take on this vital ministry of shepherding the Church in Asia. May their efforts bring unity, peace, and hope to all the faithful.