Michael Michai Kitbunchu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence
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| Cardinal, Archbishop Emeritus of Bangkok | |
Cardinal Kitbunchu in 2023
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| See | Bangkok |
| Appointed | 18 December 1972 |
| Enthroned | 3 June 1973 |
| Reign ended | 14 May 2009 |
| Predecessor | Joseph Khiamsun Nittayo |
| Successor | Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij |
| Other posts |
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| Orders | |
| Ordination | 20 December 1959 |
| Consecration | 3 June 1973 by Joseph Khiamsun Nittayo |
| Created Cardinal | 2 February 1983 |
| Rank | Cardinal-Priest |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 25 January 1929 Sam Phran, Nakhon Pathom, Siam |
| Denomination | Catholic |
| Parents |
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| Motto | Through the Cross to light (Per crucem ad lucem) |
| Coat of arms |  |
Michael Michai Kitbunchu (born January 25, 1929) is a high-ranking leader of the Catholic Church in Thailand. He was the Archbishop of Bangkok for 36 years, from 1973 to 2009. In 1983, he became the very first cardinal from Thailand.
A cardinal is a leading bishop who can advise the Pope and vote for a new one. Since December 2016, Cardinal Kitbunchu has held the special title of Protopriest, which means he is the longest-serving cardinal-priest in the world. As of 2025, he is the longest-serving of all living cardinals.
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Early Life and Education
Michael Michai Kitbunchu was born in Sam Phran, a district in the Nakhon Pathom Province of Thailand. His parents were of Chinese heritage. He began his religious studies at a special school called a minor seminary in Si Racha.
Later, he traveled to Rome, Italy, to continue his education. He studied at the Pontifical Urbaniana University. There, he earned university degrees in both philosophy and theology. On December 20, 1959, he was officially made a priest in a ceremony in Rome.
Becoming a Priest and Leader
After becoming a priest, Kitbunchu returned to Thailand. He worked as a pastor in several churches, including Calvary Parish in Bangkok. He also became an important advisor in the archdiocese (a large church district).
From 1965 to 1972, he was in charge of the main religious school, or seminary, in Bangkok. This school trains men who want to become priests. His leadership skills helped him prepare for his future roles in the Church.
Career as an Archbishop and Cardinal
Becoming an Archbishop
On December 18, 1972, Pope Paul VI chose Kitbunchu to be the new Archbishop of Bangkok. He officially became a bishop on June 3, 1973. As archbishop, he was the leader of all Catholics in the Bangkok area.
He was also the president of the Thai Episcopal Conference, a group of all the bishops in Thailand. He held this role twice, from 1979 to 1982 and again from 2000 to 2006.
Thailand's First Cardinal
A major moment in his life came on February 2, 1983. Pope John Paul II made him a Cardinal-Priest. This was a historic event because he was the first person from Thailand ever to become a cardinal.
In 2005, he was one of the cardinals who traveled to the Vatican to elect a new pope. This special meeting is called a papal conclave. The cardinals chose Pope Benedict XVI.
Views and Later Years
Cardinal Kitbunchu has spoken about the importance of protecting society. He believes that actions that harm communities are wrong. He has also spoken about protecting unborn children, calling it an important duty.
During a time of political disagreement in Thailand in 2006, he asked for peace and unity. He said that all Thai people love their country and should work together. He encouraged people to forgive each other and fix what was wrong.
He retired as Archbishop of Bangkok on May 14, 2009. Besides his native Thai and his family's Chinese dialect of Teochew, he also speaks English, Italian, French, and Mandarin.
After the death of Cardinal Alexandre do Nascimento in 2024, Kitbunchu became the sole longest-serving member of the College of Cardinals.
