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 | Cardinal-Priest of San Lorenzo in Panisperna |
| 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, Thailand |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Parents |
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| Motto | Through the Cross to light (Per crucem ad lucem) |
| Coat of arms |  |
Michael Michai Kitbunchu (Thai: ไมเกิ้ล มีชัย กิจบุญชู; born 25 January 1929) is an important leader in the Roman Catholic Church from Thailand. He was the Archbishop of Bangkok from 1973 to 2009. In 1983, he became a cardinal. He was the very first cardinal from Thailand.
Since 2016, he has been the Protopriest of the College of Cardinals. This means he is the longest-serving cardinal among those who are cardinal-priests. He also led the Thai Episcopal Conference, a group of bishops, from 1979 to 1982 and again from 2000 to 2006.
Early Life and Studies
Michael Michai Kitbunchu was born in Sam Phran, a district in Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand. His family was of Chinese background. He began his religious studies at a minor seminary in Si Racha.
Later, he traveled to Rome, Italy, to continue his education. He studied at the Pontifical Urbanian Athenaeum De Propaganda Fide. There, he earned special degrees in both philosophy and theology. On 20 December 1959, he became a priest in Rome.
After becoming a priest, he returned to Thailand. He worked as an assistant pastor and then a pastor in Bang Kham. Later, he became the pastor of Calvary Parish in Bangkok. He also served as a special advisor for the archdiocese. From 1965 to 1972, he was the rector, or head, of the main seminary in Bangkok.
Becoming an Archbishop and Cardinal
On 18 December 1972, Pope Paul VI chose Michael Michai Kitbunchu to be the second Archbishop of Bangkok. An archbishop is a very senior bishop who leads a large area called an archdiocese. He officially became an archbishop on 3 June 1973.
As archbishop, he led the Thai Episcopal Conference (a meeting of bishops) twice. First, from 1979 to 1982, and again from 2000 to 2006.
A big moment in his career came on 2 February 1983. Pope John Paul II made him a Cardinal-Priest. This happened during a special ceremony called a consistory. He was given the title of Cardinal-Priest of San Lorenzo in Panisperna, which is a church in Rome. This was a historic event because he was the first cardinal ever from Thailand.
In 2005, Cardinal Kitbunchu was one of the cardinals who voted in the papal conclave. This is a special meeting where cardinals choose a new Pope. In this conclave, Pope Benedict XVI was chosen.
Later Years and Legacy
During a time of political trouble in Thailand in 2006, Cardinal Kitbunchu spoke out. He asked people to come together and work for peace. He said that all Thai people love their country and want it to improve. He encouraged everyone to "correct what is wrong and forgive each other."
Cardinal Kitbunchu retired from his role as Archbishop of Bangkok on 14 May 2009. At that time, he was the oldest active archbishop in the Latin Church, which is the largest part of the Catholic Church.
Besides his native Central Thai and his family's Teochew language, he also speaks several other languages. These include Latin, English, Italian, French, and Standard Mandarin.
For a time, Cardinal Kitbunchu and Cardinal Alexandre do Nascimento were the longest-serving cardinals, both having been appointed in 1983. After Cardinal do Nascimento passed away in September 2024, Cardinal Kitbunchu became the single longest-serving member of the College of Cardinals.
See also
In Spanish: Michael Michai Kitbunchu para niños
