Say Cardinal Ferrão has great love, commitment for Asian Church; needed in the diverse reality in Asia
MUMBAI
Cardinals and bishops across Asia have hailed the election of Archbishop of Goa and Daman Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão as President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), which represents the Catholic Church in Asia, and said he is needed in the diverse reality in the continent.
Describing him as a very committed person who has great love and commitment for the Asian Church, the prelates said Cardinal Ferrão is full of new ideas knowing how to build bridges among people in opposite opinions.
A number of cardinals and bishops in Asia were contacted for their reactions on the election of Cardinal Ferrão as head of FABC.
“Together with all members of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference I would like to congratulate Cardinal Filipe Neri for being elected President of FABC,” said Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo of Jakarta, Indonesia.
“I met him several times in different occasions during FABC meetings and in the Synod of Bishops. I have a deep impression that Cardinal Filipe Neri is a bright and very committed person.”
“His interventions in every meeting have been always inspiring. When nobody speaks in the session of group discussions, he intervened with his bright ideas. I am convinced Cardinal Filipe Neri, when he takes office in the beginning of 2025, will bring FABC to a bright future,” the Indonesian cardinal said in a message.
Bishop Antonius Subianto Bunjamin of Bandung, the head of Indonesian Bishops’ Conference, said Cardinal Ferrão has “great love and commitment for the Asian Church.”
“We do hope that he will lead us to a more Asian Synodal Church. Congratulations to His Eminence on this new pastoral call. Thanks for his generosity to accept this call. May God continue to bless him in his duties and responsibilities,” said Bishop Bunjamin.
Archbishop Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo, who was re-elected as secretary general of the FABC, said he is happy and greatly honoured to continue his role in the Federation of Asian Bishops Conference as its Secretary General for the second term, especially working with Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão as President from January 2025.
“I am sure Cardinal Filipe Neri will continue the good work initiated by Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon, Myanmar as we prepare next Plenary Assembly in November 2025 during the Jubilee Year based on the direction expressed in the Bangkok Document of the FABC 50th anniversary in 2022,” he said.
“As I had been involved in Caritas activities in Asia for quite some time, I had number of opportunities to visit India. There I met now Cardinal Filipe Neri a number of times, and I knew he could be a reliable and strong leader of any organisation with his clear way to express his observations and opinions,” the bishop said.
The Japanese bishop said since he was made the Secretary General of FABC, he had a number of occasions to cooperate with the cardinal in several working groups and “there I was always amazed of his ability to clearly express his opinions.”
“Cardinal Felipe Neri is full of new ideas knowing how to build bridges among people in opposite opinions. We need someone like him in this diverse reality in Asia to make Bishops bridge among people. We need someone to ease tension and made all to work and walk together,” said Archbishop Kikuchi.
Cardinal Sebastian Francis of Malaysia, who is of Indian origin, described Cardinal Ferrão’s election as “The best of Asia and the Church of Asia.”
“The continuity of the Mission from Cardinal Charles Bo to Cardinal Filipe Neri is what unites us as One Asian Church,” said Cardinal Francis.
Archbishop of Hyderabad Cardinal Anthony Poola, one of five cardinals in India, has said Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão’s election as President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) is a testament to his exemplary leadership, unwavering dedication to the Church, and deep understanding of the Asian context.
In a letter to Cardinal Ferrão, Cardinal Poola stated, “I have been witnessing your dedication first-hand, both now during your esteemed leadership of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) and through our various collaborations within the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI).”
“Your commitment to fostering dialogue, promoting pastoral care, and advocating for the marginalized has been an inspiration to me and countless others across the Country. Now, the doors are open for you to enter and embrace the Asian Continent.”
“As you embark on this new chapter, I am confident that your wisdom, compassion, and collaborative spirit will guide the FABC towards even greater achievements. The challenges facing the Church in Asia are vast, from navigating social and economic inequities to fostering interreligious dialogue and promoting peace. Yet, under your leadership, I believe we can build a brighter future for the Church and its communities throughout Asia,” stated Cardinal Poola.
The Archbishop of Hyderabad said Cardinal Ferrão’s commitment to inclusivity and collaboration will be key in strengthening the bonds of unity and fraternity within the diverse tapestry of the FABC.
“Together, we can address the unique needs and aspirations of all the Catholic communities in Asia, nurturing the faith, upholding Christian values, and promoting the Gospel message of hope and love,” he added.
(The writer is a Goan journalist based in Mumbai and has been reporting on the Catholic Church for a number of decades)
