Headline: Pope Francis Elevates Cardinal-elect Tarcisio Kikuchi in Japan
In a momentous announcement on October 6th, Pope Francis revealed the appointment of 21 new cardinals, with a notable focus on diverse global representation, including five from Asia. Among these, Archbishop Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo, who will be elevated to cardinal at the upcoming consistory on December 8th, marks a significant milestone as the second Japanese cardinal appointed by the pontiff. With more than 20% of cardinal-electors now eligible to vote for the next pope, Kikuchi’s elevation signals a shift toward inclusivity within the Catholic Church as it embraces voices from the periphery.
A Deep Commitment to Service
Born in Miyako, Japan, Archbishop Kikuchi grew up in a Catholic family deeply rooted in faith and community service. His father, a devoted parish catechist, and his mother, a kindergarten teacher, instilled in him a strong sense of mission from a young age. Raised by Swiss missionaries who ignited his passion for service, Kikuchi decided to join the Society of the Divine Word, inspired by childhood tales of missionary work.
Kikuchi shared his unique journey of faith and service, stating, “I began thinking of such a future as a boy,” during a reflective conversation that spanned multiple hours at St. Mary’s Cathedral. “Being a missionary was always my dream.”
Missionary Work in Africa
Kikuchi’s international journey began with his ordination in 1986. His first significant assignment took him to Ghana, where he served as a parish priest. Recalling his experiences, he described the challenges faced by a priest stationed in a remote area without electricity or a reliable water supply: “It was a wonderful time of my life,” he reminisced, “I was responsible for over 20 out stations, so it was an opportunity to be creative — it was necessary to be creative!”
Kikuchi was the first Japanese priest to serve as a missionary in Africa, a landmark achievement that shaped his future endeavors. His time in Ghana not only broadened his worldview but also cultivated resilience and a deep sense of duty in him.
Advocating for Refugees and Vulnerable Populations
Upon returning to Japan, Kikuchi dedicated himself to humanitarian work with Caritas, a global Catholic aid organization. He initially volunteered to serve Rwandan refugees in Zaire (currently the Democratic Republic of the Congo) and later became the executive director of Caritas Japan from 1999 to 2004. Throughout his leadership tenure at Caritas, he was instrumental in addressing Japan’s most pressing humanitarian needs, particularly following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that devastated his hometown.
“Since 2011, we responded to devastating earthquakes and tsunamis in the northern part of Japan,” Kikuchi explained, highlighting the community spirit that emerged in the aftermath of the disaster. “Non-Catholics began calling the youth volunteers, ‘Miss Caritas’ or ‘Mr. Caritas’ with affection. It had a big impact on Japanese society.”
Embracing a Multicultural Church
As Japan evolves into a more multicultural society, Kikuchi has emphasized the importance of fostering an inclusive Church. With a significant population of foreign-born Catholics from countries like Vietnam and the Philippines now residing in Japan, he advocates for their integration into church communities and represents their needs effectively.
“In many societies, there is a harsh response to migrants, but without migrants we cannot survive!” Kikuchi declared. “How to be an inclusive Church is a major issue facing us in Japan.” His recent election as president of Caritas Internationalis further cements his commitment to humanitarian and social justice initiatives, connecting local and global Catholic communities.
A Voice Against Nuclear Weapons
Amidst the backdrop of Japan’s historical struggle with nuclear warfare, Archbishop Kikuchi is also a vocal advocate for peace. The upcoming 80th anniversary of the Nagasaki and Hiroshima bombings looms large, and he is united with the Catholic Church in opposing the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
“War is the work of man. War is destruction of human life. War is death,” Pope John Paul II stated during his historic visit to Japan in 1991. Echoing this sentiment, Kikuchi warns against the dangers of nuclear arsenals and believes that governments must recognize the inherent risks involved.
This sentiment is echoed in the recent announcement of Nihon Hidankyo, a grassroots movement of atomic-bomb survivors, being awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of their quest for a nuclear-free world.
Shifting Church Dynamics
As the global Catholic Church navigates the complexities of modernity, Kikuchi represents a shift in leadership dynamics, with Asia emerging as a central player in the Church’s future. He notes, “The Church in Asia is producing so many vocations, the Church is growing and deepening spiritually, so it is our duty now to contribute to the universal Church.”
Look for more updates on Archbishop Kikuchi’s journey as he takes on his new responsibilities as a cardinal, influencing not only the Church in Japan but across the globe.
As the Catholic Church moves forward, the contributions and insights of leaders like Cardinal-elect Kikuchi will undeniably play a pivotal role in shaping its reaction to contemporary challenges. What are your thoughts on the inclusivity and global representation in the Church? Share your views in the comments section below.
For more detailed commentary on recent appointments and their implications for global faith communities, check out our related articles.
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