New Cardinal to promote Thailand’s roles in int'l community

BANGKOK, March 16 (TNA) - Newly-appointed Cardinal Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovitvanit says that he will promote Thailand's roles in the Catholic Church and in the international arena. The newly-appointed Cardinal spoke of his stance when he met Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok on Monday on the occasion of his inauguration as the new Cardinal on February 14, 2015. The Archbishop of Bangkok was named by Pope Francis as a Cardinal in early January, becoming the second-ever Thai Cardinal. At the meeting, General Tanasak, congratulated Cardinal Kriengsak on his appointment, saying that the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs is ready to support his missions and to further promote bilateral relations between Thailand and the Holy See (Vatican City). General Tanasak acknowledged that the appointment of the new Thai Cardinal will help promote Thailand's roles in the Catholic Church and in the international community. The new Cardinal thanked the deputy prime minister and expressed his determination to fulfill his duties and missions, while also fully supporting the Catholic community in Thailand. Cardinal Kriengsak also expressed his support to an idea on bringing Thai artifacts to showcase in the globally-renowned Vatican Museum, where millions of worldwide people visit annually, to publicise Thailand's history and cultures. (TNA)