In a significant development, the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences (FABC) has announced the election of Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao as its new President. The announcement came during the Central Committee meeting held in Bangkok from February 19-22. Cardinal Ferrao, presently serving as the President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), will succeed Salesian Cardinal Charles Muang Bo in January 2025.
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, the archbishop of Goa-Daman, has been elected as the President of the Federation of Asian Catholic Bishops’ Conferences (FABC). The election took place on February 22, marking the conclusion of the FABC Central Committee’s three-day meeting in Bangkok, Thailand.
The new president will assume office in January 2025, succeeding Cardinal Charles Muang Bo, who is currently the head of the Catholic Church in Myanmar. Cardinal Ferrao has been serving as the President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) and has played a crucial role in various capacities within the FABC.
Bishop Pablo Virgilio Siongco David of Kalookan, Philippines, has been elected as the vice president and will succeed Cardinal Malcolm Ranjit, the archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Additionally, Salesian Archbishop Tarcisio Isao Kilkuchi of Tokyo, Japan, has been reelected for a second term as the federation's secretary-general.
Cardinal Ferrao, born on January 20, 1953, in Mapusa, Goa, is recognized for his extensive service and leadership within the Catholic Church. Ordained as a priest on October 28, 1979, he has undertaken various roles, including parochial vicar, prefect of Discipline, and director of the Vocation Commission for Diocesan Clergy. Cardinal Ferrao holds licentiate degrees in Biblical Theology and catechetics and pastoral theology.
Currently, he serves as the president of the CCBI, the national body of Latin rite prelates in India. Moreover, Cardinal Ferrao has chaired the FABC Office of Education and Faith Formation, emphasizing his commitment to education and spiritual development.
The election of Cardinal Ferrao reflects a momentous occasion for the Asian Church, and his upcoming presidency is anticipated to bring continuity and progressive leadership to the FABC. The newly elected officials are set to play pivotal roles in advancing the mission and objectives of the Federation, contributing to the growth and unity of the Catholic Church in Asia.
