The first Malaysian cardinal in the history of the Catholic Church, Anthony Soter Fernandez, spent decades serving as a priest and bishop before his appointment to the College of Cardinals in 2016. His ecclesiastical career spanned positions ranging from diocesan leadership in Penang to his tenure as the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur for two decades.
Early Ministry and Episcopal Elevation
Born in Sungai Petani on 22 April 1932, Fernandez entered the priesthood on 10 December 1966 for the Diocese of Penang. His administrative responsibilities expanded on 29 September 1977 when he was named Bishop of Penang. On 17 February 1978, Gregory Yong, the Archbishop of Singapore, performed the episcopal consecration that solidified his status within the regional hierarchy.
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Pope John Paul II appointed him the second Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur on 30 July 1983. He took formal control of the archdiocese on 10 November 1983. During this period, he acted as the president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, serving in this capacity from 1987 until 1990 and again between 2000 and 2003. Pope John Paul II accepted his resignation from the archbishop position on 24 May 2003.
Cardinalate and Final Years
Pope Francis created Fernandez a cardinal during the consistory held on 19 November 2016. This appointment marked a significant milestone, as he became the first Malaysian citizen to receive this honor. Fernandez passed away on 28 October 2020 at the Little Sisters of the Poor St. Francis Xavier Home in Cheras. Before his death, he had managed a long struggle with tongue cancer. His final resting place is located within the nave of St. John's Cathedral in Kuala Lumpur.
Fast facts
- Born: 22 April 1932, Sungai Petani
- Died: 28 October 2020, Cheras
- Ordained Priest: 10 December 1966
- Named Bishop of Penang: 29 September 1977
- Appointed Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur: 30 July 1983
- Created Cardinal: 19 November 2016
Questions readers ask
Was Anthony Soter Fernandez the first Malaysian cardinal?
Yes, he was the first Malaysian to be made a cardinal.
Where is Anthony Soter Fernandez buried?
He was buried in the nave of St. John's Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur.
