Archbishop of Colombo meets new Pope in Vatican following historic conclave

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May 14, Colombo (LNW): Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith held a cordial audience with newly elected Pope Robert Prevost during a recent visit to the Vatican.

The meeting, which took place in the wake of the papal conclave that selected the American-born Cardinal Prevost as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, was confirmed by the Archdiocese of Colombo through images shared on its official social media platforms.

The encounter marks a significant moment for Sri Lanka’s Catholic community, as Cardinal Ranjith—one of the few Asian cardinals present at the conclave—was amongst the senior church figures considered a potential successor to the late Pope Francis.

The conclave, held within the revered halls of the Vatican Palace, drew together cardinal-electors from across the globe, reflecting the Church’s increasingly global character.

Cardinal Prevost, who hails from the United States and previously served in the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, was elected following the passing of Pope Francis. His election represents a continuation of the Church’s evolving leadership, with a focus on pastoral reform, global outreach, and addressing contemporary social and moral challenges.

Cardinal Ranjith’s presence at the conclave and subsequent meeting with Pope Prevost highlights his longstanding influence within the global Catholic hierarchy. A former Vatican diplomat and Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments under Pope Benedict XVI, Ranjith has long been a voice for liturgical tradition and moral clarity within the Church.

He has also been an outspoken advocate for justice in Sri Lanka, particularly in the wake of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, for which he has repeatedly called for accountability and transparency.

During their meeting, Cardinal Ranjith and Pope Prevost reportedly discussed matters concerning the global Catholic community, regional concerns affecting the Church in Asia, and ongoing efforts to support post-conflict reconciliation and interreligious harmony in Sri Lanka.

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