KL prelate releases statement on first Malaysian cardinal appointment

KUALA LUMPUR – Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Julian Leow has released a media statement on the appointment of the first Malaysian cardinal on 10 Oct 2016.

The statement states that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia is “pleased to announce that His Holiness Pope Francis has named Most Reverend Anthony Soter Fernandez, Archbishop Emeritus of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as Cardinal.  The announcement was made in Rome during the noon-time Angelus prayer on 9 October 2016 and Cardinal-elect Fernandez is among the 17 new cardinals created by Pope Francis.”

It goes on to give a short description of the cardinal-elect’s biodata and episcopal ministry before and after his retirement in 2003.

The document says that Pope Francis has announced that the consistory of cardinals will be held on 19 November 2016, the vigil of the close of the Jubilee of Mercy, during which he will elevate the 17 new cardinals.

It ends on a note of joy: “Cardinal-elect Fernandez will be the first Malaysian cardinal and it is a great joy that Pope Francis has given the Malaysian Church this recognition and honoured us with this appointment.”