Bangkok, Thailand: Major Archbishop Emeritus, Cardinal Michael Michai Kitbunchu reported that the Pope’s Apostolic Journey to Thailand was one of the milestones achieved for the Christian faithful in Thailand. He expressed his ecstasy about the visit in a video conference with the Vatican News department on November 19, 2019, a day before Pope Francis reached Thailand.
He recounts that being the Major archbishop of Thailand he had received the then Pope, St. John Paul II during his apostolic visit, around 36 years ago. The cardinal mentions that it was a period of blessings for the country since the pope stepped in the land.
Pope Francis had scheduled the visit to Thailand on the auspicious occasion of the 350th anniversary of the official inauguration of the Siam Mission, as a recognized mission organization under the Vatican. The Archbishop emeritus, who is leading his retirement life in the country, mentioned that the Pope’s arrival at Thailand would inspire stronger secularism in the country and would motivate people to stay united in spite of their religious backgrounds.
