Bangkok, April 21st, 2025 – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand (CBCT) has called on Thailand’s Christian community to offer prayers for the eternal repose of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
The bishops praised the late pontiff as a model of unwavering faith, humility, and service, whose 12-year papacy left a huge mark on the global Church and beyond. They encouraged Thailand’s roughly 380,000 Catholics—about 0.5% of the nation’s predominantly Buddhist population—to reflect on Francis’ life as an embodiment of Christ’s teachings, particularly his dedication to the marginalized, interfaith harmony, and environmental stewardship.
“Pope Francis lived as a true disciple of Christ, guiding the Church with courage, compassion, and profound humility,” the CBCT stated. “His tireless advocacy for the poor, his pursuit of peace, and his openness to dialogue across faiths inspired millions. We invite all Thai Christians to pray for his soul and to carry forward his legacy of love and service.”
During his papacy (2013–2025), Pope Francis was a transformative figure, showing mercy, social justice, and ecological responsibility. His 2019 visit to Thailand, marking the 350th anniversary of the establishment of the Apostolic Vicariate of Siam, was a historic moment for the country’s Catholic minority. Meeting with His Royal Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Buddhist leaders, and young Catholics, Francis promoted interfaith dialogue and urged care for the vulnerable.
Francis’ health struggles, including severe double pneumonia in early 2025 and chronic conditions like diverticulitis and bronchitis, were widely reported. Despite his frailty, he continued to advocate for global peace and the poor until his final days, earning admiration even in Thailand’s Buddhist-majority society, where his humility mirrored revered monastic values.
Thailand’s Catholic community, though small, is vibrant, with 11 dioceses, over 500 churches, and active charitable organizations like Caritas Thailand, which align with Francis’ focus on social justice. The CBCT highlighted how Francis’ emphasis on serving “the least among us” inspired local initiatives, such as aid for impoverished rural communities and advocacy for migrant workers. His interfaith outreach also strengthened ties with Thailand’s Buddhist majority, notably through his 2019 meeting with Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana IX.
Thailand joins a grieving world, with tributes pouring in from leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, who hailed Francis as a “moral giant” and “apostle of the poor.” In Thailand, Catholic churches are planning memorial Masses, while interfaith groups have expressed solidarity, recognizing Francis’ role in fostering mutual understanding.
The Vatican has not yet announced a date for the papal conclave to elect Francis’ successor, but the CBCT urged Thai Catholics to pray for the Church’s future.
Photos: Pope and Vatican official social media accounts.
