Inspiring SVD Leadership

Historic Appointments and Inspiring SVD Leadership

For the first time in nearly 80 years, Divine Word Missionaries have been named cardinals.

On December 7, 2024, Pope Francis appointed 21 new cardinals, including two members of the Society of Divine Word — Archbishop Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo and Archbishop Ladislav Német of Belgrade — highlighting their leadership within the Church. They are only the second and third cardinals in the Society’s history; the first was Thomas Tien Ken-sin of Beijing, appointed cardinal in 1946.

Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, SVD, has led the Archdiocese of Tokyo since 2017, following his service as bishop of Niigata. Formed by early missionary years in Ghana and leadership within the SVD in Japan, he has long been involved in the Church’s charitable outreach — especially through Caritas at national and international levels — and was elected president of Caritas Internationalis in 2023. Though I know Cardinal Kikuchi primarily through his public ministry, homilies, and writings, his consistent focus on the poor, migrants, disaster response, and interreligious dialogue reflects the missionary spirit at the heart of our Society.

Cardinal Ladislav Német, SVD, became the leader of the Archdiocese of Belgrade, Serbia, in 2022, after serving as bishop of Zrenjanin. His missionary work has taken him to the Philippines, Poland, Austria, and Croatia. He began his formation in Poland, where he studied philosophy and theology. Later, as professor of dogmatic theology and prefect at the College of St. Gabriel, his influence extended beyond academics, fostering community and respect among students. He was more than a teacher; he was a friend and mentor, offering spiritual guidance.

Recently, Cardinal Német visited St. Martin of Tours Parish in St. Maarten, where I served for eight years before becoming provincial of the Chicago Province. During his visit, he engaged with local parishioners, sharing insights from the Synod on Synodality. He emphasized the importance of listening to diverse voices and fostering unity amid differences. His reflections on open dialogue and shared responsibility resonated deeply with the congregation. His approachable demeanor and experiences inspired the community, highlighting the relevance of synodality.

I am genuinely thankful for the blessing that Cardinals Ladislav Német and Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi are to both the Society and the Church. I sincerely hope we can welcome them to our province soon.

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