Thai Catholics filled Bangkok’s Assumption Cathedral on June 1 for a Thanksgiving Mass celebrating the election of Pope Leo XIV.
The Catholic community, together with diplomats, government officials, and interreligious leaders, gathered at the historic cathedral on Sunday evening for the solemn celebration in honor of the 267th Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church.
Presided over by Cardinal Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij, the retired Archbishop of Bangkok and one of the 133 cardinal-electors in the conclave, the Eucharistic celebration was held amidst an atmosphere of deep joy and reverence.
Though the liturgy marked the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Cardinal Kriengsak made special mention of the new pope’s election, calling it a moment of divine guidance and hope.
“We cardinals listened intently to the voice of the Holy Spirit during the General Congregations before the conclave,” he said.
“The decision to elect Pope Leo XIV came with thunderous and unanimous applause. When I kissed his hand in respect and obedience, I assured him of the prayers and support of Thai Catholics, and I asked him to bless our country,” the prelate added.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in the United States and a member of the Order of St. Augustine, is known for his intelligence, humility, and missionary heart.
His background includes a doctorate in canon law, missionary work in Peru, and leadership roles within the Augustinian order.
The celebration drew notable dignitaries, including Archbishop Peter Bryan Wells, the Apostolic Nuncio to Thailand. In his remarks at the conclusion of the Mass, the American prelate emphasized the profound significance of the moment.
“Today, our hearts are filled with gratitude to the Holy Spirit, who has guided the Church in choosing a new shepherd to lead us in faith, hope, and love,” he said. “The name Leo has special meaning for Thailand.”
He referred to a historical moment in 1897, when Pope Leo XIII became the first pontiff to receive a reigning monarch of Siam, King Rama V, at the Vatican—an encounter that laid the foundation for the enduring friendship between the Holy See and the Kingdom of Thailand.
“In choosing the name Leo, our new Holy Father signals his desire to lead with courage, compassion, and a heart open to all peoples,” Archbishop Wells noted. “Let us walk with Pope Leo, proclaiming with one voice: Laudetur Jesus Christus—Praised be Jesus Christ!”
Representing the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand (CBCT), Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana of Bangkok echoed this sentiment of thanksgiving:
“The Catholic Church in Thailand joyfully gives thanks to God for the election of Pope Leo XIV. We pledge our unity and commitment to his mission of peace, dialogue, and service.”
The CBCT president highlighted that Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate at a time of unprecedented global upheaval—from armed conflict and shifting political structures to environmental crises and economic uncertainty.
“In his inaugural homily in St. Peter’s Square, the Holy Father reminded us: ‘We must try to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges and always dialogues, that is always open to receiving everyone—like this square, with arms open to all.’”
Pope Leo’s words emphasized listening—especially to the Holy Spirit—as the Church’s most vital task today. The Thai Church, Archbishop Vira affirmed, is fully committed to this vision.
“As one family of faith—lay faithful, religious, clergy, and bishops—we pledge to walk together in mission, proclaiming the Gospel, defending the poor and vulnerable, and being a bridge of God’s love in our society.”
A touching moment of the evening came when it was noted that Pope Leo XIV is a member of the Augustinian order, and that Thailand’s own Fr. John Patrick Murray, OSA, currently serves as director of the Catholic Office for Migrants and Prisoners and celebrates English Mass every Sunday at the same Assumption Cathedral.
Catholics across Thailand marked the occasion by turning their attention to Rome, expressing unity in faith under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV.
