Catholic bishops thank the Thai government

by time news

In Thailand, which recognized 57 Catholic churches until 1929, now 3 churches have been approved, bringing the number to sixty.

Marina Raj – Vatican

Cardinal Francis Xavier thanked the government of Thailand for its continued support for the humanitarian and spiritual activities of the Catholic Church in Thailand.

On Friday, December 02, the Archbishop of Bangkok, Cardinal Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovitvanit, met with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Prayut Chan-o-cha, and expressed his gratitude for the government’s support to the activities of the Catholic Church in the Buddhist-majority Southeast Asian country.

Thanking the government for its support during the 50th General Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) held last month, Cardinal Francis also highlighted the government’s warm welcome and support for peaceful coexistence among the diverse religions and cultures in the country.

He also mentioned that the Government of Thailand is doing many good deeds including supporting various works, providing facilities, promoting the progress of the Catholic Church and appointing relevant people.

Notably, the Thai government approved three Catholic shrines in August after a 93-year wait in an effort to foster religious harmony: the Apostle St. Thomaiar Shrine in Bangkok, St. Monica Shrine in Nan Province, and St. Joseph the Worker Shrine in Phrae.

Thailand recognized 57 Catholic Churches until 1929, now the number has increased to sixty.

As of 2019, there are approximately 388,000 Catholics in Thailand, which is 0.5 percent of the country’s approximately 6.9 million people. The Catholic Church in Thailand has two archdiocese, nine dioceses and 502 dioceses.

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