From having just 10 cardinal electors in 2013 to 24 in 2025, the number of Asian cardinals has increased by 140% in only twelve years. And it makes sense—Asia is the second-fastest growing continent in terms of Catholic population.
The Vatican includes Middle Eastern cardinals as part of Asia. For example, Dominique Mathieu, who carries out his ministry in Iran, is considered Asian.
Two prefects of dicasteries are also from Asia: the Prefect of the Clergy, Cardinal Lazzaro from South Korea; and the Prefect for Inter-Religious Dialogue, Koovakad from India, who used to organize Pope Francis’ apostolic trips.
Hong Kong, the special administrative region of China, also has a cardinal. It is Chow Sau-Yan, a member of the Society of Jesus. And from Japan comes Tarcisio Kikuchi, whom Pope Francis made a cardinal in the most recent consistory.
In Southeast Asia, there is a cardinal in Myanmar; Charles Bo is a strong defender of religious minorities and has criticized the military government in his country.
There is another cardinal who has not had an easy time in his country, Cardinal Ranjith, from Sri Lanka. In recent years, he has worked tirelessly, demanding justice for the victims of the Easter 2019 bombings.
However, if there is one Asian cardinal who has truly drawn attention in particular, it is Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines. Not only has he gone viral on social media, but he was already considered a potential papal candidate during the 2013 conclave.
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Trans. CRT
