Thailand’s Catholic Church celebrated the first anniversary of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate on May 7 with a Thanksgiving Mass in Bangkok, where the Vatican also announced the appointment of Fr. Peter Suphot Roeksujarit as the new bishop of Chiang Mai.
The celebration at Holy Redeemer Church was organized by the Apostolic Nunciature to Thailand and gathered Church leaders led by Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand (CBCT), alongside members of the diplomatic corps, government representatives, clergy, religious, and lay faithful.
Archbishop Peter B. Wells, the Vatican envoy to Thailand, announced before the Mass that Pope Leo XIV had appointed Fr. Suphot Roeksujarit of the Archdiocese of Bangkok as bishop of the Diocese of Chiang Mai.
Fr. Suphot has served the Archdiocese of Bangkok in human resources ministry and is widely known as director of the Baan Phu Waan Pastoral Training Center, where he oversaw major renovations and pastoral development initiatives.
In his homily, Archbishop Wells described Pope Leo XIV as “a gift” to the Church and reflected on the Holy Father’s mission as a promoter of unity, peace, and human dignity.
“We praise the Lord who never leaves his flock without a shepherd,” the nuncio said, recalling the pope’s election on May 8, 2025, as successor to St. Peter.
The nuncio emphasized that the Church’s unity rests not on human power but on Christ, especially in a world marked by division, nationalism, and conflict.
He said the ministry of the pope is to strengthen believers in faith and enable the Church to proclaim “the Gospel of reconciliation” with one voice.
He also highlighted the diplomatic mission of the Holy See as an expression of the Church’s commitment to peace through dialogue, mediation, and cooperation among nations.
“The Holy See maintains diplomatic relations not to pursue earthly power, but to serve the Gospel command: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers,’” he said.
Archbishop Wells stressed that Vatican diplomacy consistently defends human dignity, religious freedom, the right to life, education, decent work, and the protection of migrants, refugees, and vulnerable communities.
“When the Holy See raises its voice in international assemblies, it does so on behalf of those who have no voice,” he said, adding that authentic peace must be rooted in justice, fraternity, and integral human development.
At a reception following the Mass, the nuncio praised the long-standing relationship between the Holy See and Thailand, describing it as one built on “deep respect, mutual trust, and fruitful cooperation.”
He noted that diplomatic relations between Thailand and the Holy See have flourished for more than 50 years, while the history of the Catholic Church in Thailand dates back over five centuries, beginning with the arrival of Christian missionaries in 1511.
Though Catholics remain a minority in Thailand, Archbishop Wells said the Church continues to contribute significantly to Thai society through healthcare, education, social outreach, and interreligious cooperation.
“In healthcare, our hospitals and clinics serve the poorest and most vulnerable with compassion and excellence,” he said. “In education, our schools form young people not only in knowledge but also in moral character and responsible citizenship.”
The nuncio also highlighted the Church’s collaboration with civil authorities and the Buddhist community in promoting harmony, reconciliation, and mutual understanding.
Amid continuing global conflicts, he called on government officials, diplomats, and religious leaders to unite in prayer for peace in Asia and throughout the world.
“Pray that justice, forgiveness, and fraternity may prevail over hatred and violence,” he urged.
Speaking to LiCAS News, Archbishop Francis Xavier reflected on the significance of Pope Leo XIV’s first year as pope, recalling the election of then-Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on May 8 last year.
“He was, for us, a wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit to the people of God,” the archbishop said.
He also recalled the pope’s first message after his election, particularly his call for “a missionary church, a church that builds bridges and encourages dialogue.”
“From Chicago to Peru to the Vatican, the first North American pope has become a model of peace and hope during the first year of his pontificate,” Archbishop Francis Xavier said.
