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Malcolm Ranjith

Stored: Malcolm Ranjith

His Eminence Malcolm Ranjith
Bishop of Archdiocese of Colombo
Home diocese: Archdiocese of Colombo
Other diocese 1: Diocese of Ratnapura
Other diocese 2: Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
Other diocese 3:
Ordination: 29 June 1975 by Pope Paul VI
Consecration: 17 June 1991 by Archbishop Nicholas Marcus Fernando
Rank: Cardinal
Created cardinal: 20 November 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI
Personal details
Born: Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don
15 November 1947
Polgahawela, Sri Lanka
Died:
Nationality: Sri Lanka
Education: Pontifical Urban University
Motto: "Fiat Voluntas Tua"
Role: Archbishop
Theology: Conservative
Region: South Asia
Rite: Roman Rite
Conclave Eligibility: Eligible


Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, born (1947-11-15) November 15, 1947 (age 78), is a Sri Lankan prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, serving as Archbishop of Colombo since 2009 and elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. Ordained a priest in 1975 for the Diocese of Colombo and consecrated a bishop in 1991, he served as Bishop of Ratnapura (1995–2001), Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments (2005–2009), and Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia and East Timor (2004–2005). His conservative theology, reflected in his motto "Fiat Voluntas Tua" ("Thy Will Be Done"), emphasizes liturgical tradition, opposition to same-sex marriage, and social justice, notably his advocacy for victims of Sri Lanka’s 2019 Easter bombings.[1][2] Ranjith participated in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis and, at age 77, is eligible for the 2025 conclave following Francis’ death on April 21, 2025, as one of 135 cardinal electors, with the conclave set to begin May 7, 2025, in the Sistine Chapel.[3][4]

Ranjith’s conservative credentials, including his opposition to liturgical reforms and same-sex marriage, have earned him support among traditionalists, with some media and X posts naming him a papal candidate, citing his Vatican experience and global standing.[5][6] However, his regional focus, age, and the progressive majority among electors (108 appointed by Francis) limit his candidacy, with frontrunners like Pietro Parolin and Luis Antonio Tagle favored.[7] His academic background from the Pontifical Urban University and fluency in 10 languages enhance his diplomatic profile. As an active cardinal, Ranjith’s influence in the 2025 conclave lies in his vote and conservative advocacy, though his papal prospects are constrained by the conclave’s diversity and ideological dynamics.[3][5]

Biography

Birth and early life

Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don was born on November 15, 1947, in Polgahawela, Sri Lanka, to a Catholic family in a predominantly Buddhist country. Raised during Sri Lanka’s post-independence period, his vocation was inspired by missionary priests, leading him to enter the Colombo Minor Seminary at age 12. His family’s faith and Sri Lanka’s multi-religious context shaped his commitment to evangelization.

Sri Lanka’s ethnic and religious tensions influenced Ranjith’s focus on social justice. Fluent in Sinhala, Tamil, English, Italian, and six other languages, his intellectual aptitude foreshadowed his global Church roles.[8][1][9]

Education

Ranjith studied philosophy and theology at the National Seminary in Kandy, earning a bachelor’s degree in theology. He pursued advanced studies at the Pontifical Urban University in Rome (1975–1978), obtaining a licentiate in sacred scripture, and later studied at the Pontifical Biblical Institute, specializing in biblical exegesis.

His education emphasized Vatican II’s missionary call, equipping him to lead in Sri Lanka’s diverse context. Ranjith’s academic rigor prepared him for diplomatic and curial roles.[1][10]

Priesthood

Ordained a priest on June 29, 1975, by Pope Paul VI for the Diocese of Colombo, Ranjith served as a parish priest and seminary professor in Colombo (1975–1983). He was vicar general of Colombo (1983–1991), focusing on catechesis and social outreach during Sri Lanka’s civil war.

His priesthood emphasized evangelization and justice, navigating ethnic conflicts. Ranjith’s multilingual skills and pastoral zeal earned him episcopal appointment.[8][1]

Bishop

Consecrated auxiliary bishop of Colombo on June 17, 1991, by Archbishop Nicholas Marcus Fernando, Ranjith served as Bishop of Ratnapura (1995–2001), Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia and East Timor (2004–2005), and Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship (2005–2009). Appointed Archbishop of Colombo in 2009, he was elevated to cardinal in 2010 with the title Cardinal-Priest of San Lorenzo in Lucina. He participated in the 2013 conclave.

Ranjith’s conservative stances, including opposition to same-sex marriage and liturgical reforms, have drawn traditionalist support but criticism for rigidity.[11][2] Eligible for the 2025 conclave at age 77, he is among 135 electors, but his candidacy is limited by regional focus and progressive electors.[3][7][12]

Diocese Role Start Date End Date Notes
Archdiocese of Colombo Auxiliary Bishop 17 June 1991 2 November 1995 Supported catechesis
Diocese of Ratnapura Bishop 2 November 1995 1 October 2001 Focused on social outreach
Apostolic Nunciature Nuncio to Indonesia, East Timor 29 April 2004 10 December 2005 Strengthened diplomatic ties
Congregation for Divine Worship Secretary 10 December 2005 16 June 2009 Promoted liturgical tradition
Archdiocese of Colombo Archbishop 16 June 2009 Present Advocated for Easter bombing victims

Significant events

  • Entered Colombo Minor Seminary in 1959.
  • Ordained priest for the Diocese of Colombo in 1975.
  • Consecrated auxiliary bishop of Colombo in 1991.
  • Appointed Bishop of Ratnapura in 1995.
  • Appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia and East Timor in 2004.
  • Appointed Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship in 2005.
  • Appointed Archbishop of Colombo in 2009.
  • Elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.
  • Participated in the 2013 conclave.
  • Confirmed eligible for the 2025 conclave.

Books

Written about the bishop

  • No known books specifically about Cardinal Ranjith.

Written by the bishop

  • No known books authored by Cardinal Ranjith.

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Biography of Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith". Vatican Press Office. 2025-04-24. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_ranjith.html. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith on same-sex marriage". Dailymirror_SL. 2024-07-25. https://t.co/WilxDdd1wy. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "18 African among Cardinals to elect new Pope". Nigerian Observer. 2025-04-24. https://nigerianobservernews.com/2025/04/18-african-among-cardinals-to-elect-new-pope/. 
  4. ↑ "Conclave to elect new pope to start on 7 May, Vatican says". The Guardian. 2025-04-28. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/28/conclave-elect-new-pope-7-may-vatican. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith profile". xmuse_. 2025-04-21. https://t.co/11olx3McgP. 
  6. ↑ "Cardinal Ranjith named as candidate". NewsWireLK. 2025-04-21. https://t.co/my4NX9TbJM. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Lobbying for next pope heats up, with outcome less predictable than ever". The Guardian. 2025-04-27. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/27/lobbying-next-pope-heats-up-outcome-less-predictable. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2025-04-24. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/branjith.html. 
  9. ↑ "Malcolm Ranjith profile". agusantonetti. 2025-04-21. https://t.co/EZbd1ksqdA. 
  10. ↑ "Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/55627/cardinal-malcolm-ranjith. 
  11. ↑ "Cardinal Ranjith on liturgy". poin_opini. 2025-04-21. https://t.co/LOTUwIBmPM. 
  12. ↑ "Cardinal Ranjith appointed Archbishop of Colombo". Vatican News. 2009-06-16. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2009-06/ranjith-colombo.html. 
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