Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovitvanit assumed the role of Archbishop of Bangkok in 2009, a position he occupied for fifteen years until his retirement in 2024. Throughout his career, he served as a central figure in the Thai Catholic Church, eventually gaining international standing within the ecclesiastical hierarchy of the Vatican as a member of the College of Cardinals.
Early Education and Ordination
Born in Bang Rak on 27 June 1949, Kovitvanit pursued his foundational studies at the Joseph Upatham School. He entered the St Joseph's Minor Seminary in Sam Phran before relocating to Rome to attend the Pontifical Urbaniana University. Between 1970 and 1976, he focused his academic work on philosophy and theology, concluding his studies with his ordination as a priest on 11 July 1976.
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Following his return to Thailand, Kovitvanit held various pastoral assignments, serving at the Nativity of Mary Church and the Epiphany Church. He later managed educational institutions, acting as vice-rector of the St Joseph's Minor Seminary and rector of the Holy Family Intermediate Seminary in Nakhon Ratchasima. By 1992, he oversaw the Lux Mundi National Major Seminary. His administrative career expanded through his tenure as the under-secretary of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Thailand and his work as a special lecturer at the Sam Phran major seminary.
Episcopal and Cardinal Appointments
Pope Benedict XVI appointed Kovitvanit as the bishop of Nakhon Sawan on 7 March 2007. Consecrated by Cardinal Michael Michai Kitbunchu, he transitioned to lead the Archdiocese of Bangkok in 2009. Pope Francis elevated him to the College of Cardinals on 14 February 2015, assigning him as Cardinal-Priest of Santa Maria Addolorata. His Roman duties included memberships in the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. He also participated in the 2025 papal conclave.
Fast facts
- Born: 27 June 1949, Bang Rak
- Ordained Priest: 11 July 1976
- Bishop of Nakhon Sawan: 2007–2009
- Archbishop of Bangkok: 2009–2024
- Created Cardinal: 14 February 2015
- Education: Pontifical Urbaniana University and Pontifical Gregorian University
- Retirement: 27 June 2024
Questions readers ask
When did Kovitvanit retire as Archbishop of Bangkok?
He retired on 27 June 2024, which coincided with his 75th birthday.
Did he participate in any papal elections?
Yes, he participated as a cardinal elector in the 2025 papal conclave.
