Home Catholic Church & Asia Pope Francis appoints new Archbishop of Bangkok

Pope Francis appoints new Archbishop of Bangkok

Pope Francis has named Bishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana, currently serving as the Bishop of Chiang Mai, as the new Archbishop of Bangkok.

The announcement, made by the Apostolic Nunciature to Thailand on Saturday, January 11, comes as the Catholic Church in the country commemorates the 25th beatification anniversary of Blessed Nicholas Boonkerd Kritbamrung.

Blessed Nicholas, a Thai martyr revered for his dedication to evangelization and catechesis, was accused of collaborating with foreign powers and imprisoned in 1944.



Despite his captivity, he baptized over 60 fellow inmates before his martyrdom. The anniversary celebration honoring him took place at his shrine in Samphran, his hometown.

Archbishop-elect Vira, 69, brings decades of experience to his new role. Born in St. Francis Xavier Parish in Bangkok, he was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Bangkok on June 7, 1981, by then-Archbishop Michael Michai Kitbunchu.

Archbishop-elect Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana (Photo credit: Nipat Siriphanyos)

Over the years, he has held various key positions, including Vice Rector of St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary in Samphran, Director of the Diocesan Catechetical Center, and Secretary of the Episcopal Commission for Catechesis.

He also pursued studies in Youth Pastoral Ministry and Catechesis at the Salesian University in Rome and served as Dean of the Catechetical Faculty and Professor at Lux Mundi Major Seminary in Samphran.

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From 1990 to 1998, Archbishop-elect Vira was Chaplain of St. Joseph Convent School in Bangkok.

Appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as Bishop of Chiang Mai in 2009, he has served the diocese for over 15 years.

Last year, on June 28, 2024, Pope Francis named him Apostolic Administrator of Bangkok after Cardinal Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij retired upon reaching the canonical age of 75.

The Archdiocese of Bangkok, established as the Apostolic Vicariate of Siam in 1662, serves over 122,000 Catholics, representing 0.9% of Thailand’s predominantly Buddhist population.

It includes 59 parishes supported by 240 priests and leads six suffragan dioceses: Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nakhon Sawan, Ratchaburi, and Surat Thani.

Archbishop-elect Vira’s appointment is seen as a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church in Thailand, which continues to expand its mission of faith and service.

As he assumes leadership in Bangkok, attention now shifts to who will succeed him as the Bishop of Chiang Mai.

This transition signals a new chapter for the Church, reflecting its commitment to growth and evangelization in a diverse and multi-religious society.

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