Meet the Malaysian who will help elect the next pope
KUALA LUMPUR : As millions of Catholics around the globe prepare for one of the most sacred events in the Church – the election of a new pope – Malaysia is quietly etched into the heart of history.
Cardinal Sebastian Francis, a 73-year-old priest from Johor Bahru, is headed to Rome as one of only 135 cardinals with the power to vote in the 2025 Papal Conclave. That's right – a Malaysian will be among those choosing the next leader of the Vatican.
It's a moment both momentous and surreal for a country where Catholics form just a small segment of the population. This isn't just a seat at the table – it's a voice in one of the most influential decisions in global religious leadership.
In a statement to FMT, Sebastian said the pope must be someone who first 'surrenders and obeys the will of God while embracing his humanness'.
Pope Francis died on April 21, a day after Easter, at age 88. His body was placed in state at St Peter's Basilica for three days to allow the public to pay their respects. The funeral took place yesterday in St Peter's Square.
If you're wondering who exactly Cardinal Sebastian Francis is and why this matters so much, here are five things you should know about Malaysia's recently minted man in red.
1. He's the first Malaysian cardinal elector
Until 2023, Malaysia had only ever had one cardinal – Anthony Soter Fernandez. But Anthony never voted in a conclave. Sebastian is the first Malaysian in history to enter the Sistine Chapel to help choose the next pope.
He was appointed a cardinal by Pope Francis on Sept 30, 2023.
Sebastian receiving his cardinal's hat from the late Pope Francis at a Vatican ceremony in September 2023. (Vatican pic)
2. From Johor Bahru to Rome's inner circle
Born in Johor Bahru in 1951 to a family of Indian descent from Kerala, Sebastian began his religious journey at just 16 years old, enrolling in St Francis Xavier Minor Seminary in Singapore in 1967. He continued his theological studies at College General in Penang, one of Asia's oldest seminaries.
Sebastian was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Melaka-Johor on July 28, 1977, at just 26 years old. After decades of dedicated service, he was appointed Bishop of Penang in 2012, before rising to the College of Cardinals in 2023. (Source)
3. He's a key voice for Asia
Sebastian is more than just a Malaysian rep: he's a respected voice across Asia. Since 2023, he's chaired the office of social communication for the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences, helping bridge communication between churches across the continent. (Source)
4. He stands for peace, dialogue and justice
Known for his progressive stance on interfaith dialogue, racial unity, and social justice, Sebastian has long championed causes that resonate deeply in a multiethnic, multireligious society like Malaysia.
He has served as the vice-president of the Malaysian Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism. (Source)
5. He holds a state honour – and now, a global responsibility
In 2021, Sebastian was awarded the Darjah Gemilang Pangkuan Negeri, earning him the title 'Datuk Seri'.
Today, he holds a far greater responsibility – the power to shape the future of the global Church. And that's something no Malaysian has ever done before. (Source)
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