Cardinal Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij is a former Archbishop of Bangkok whose focus has been primarily on education, peace and reconciliation.

Born on June 27, 1949, in Ban Rak, within the archdiocese of Bangkok, his journey in the Church began with his studies at the seminary of St. Joseph in Sampran, followed by further education in theology and philosophy at the Pontifical Urbanian University in Rome from 1970 to 1976.

After his ordination as a priest on July 11, 1976, Kovithavanij served in various roles within the Bangkok archdiocese. He began as a parish vicar at the Nativity of Mary Church in Ban Pan and later at the Epiphany Church in Koh Vai. His commitment to education led him to become the vice-rector of the St. Joseph minor seminary in Sampran from 1979 to 1981. Furthering his own studies (1982-1983), he specialized in spirituality at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

Upon returning to Thailand, Kovithavanij took on significant leadership positions. He served as the rector of the Holy Family intermediate seminary in Nakhon Ratchasima for six years and later as the rector of the Lux Mundi national major seminary from 1992 to 2000. His administrative skills were recognized when he was appointed as the under-secretary of the Episcopal Conference from 1989 to 1993.

Pope Bendict XVI launched his episcopal career when he appointed Kovithavanij Bishop of Nakhon Sawan in 2007. His leadership qualities led Benedict appointing him Metropolitan Archbishop of Bangkok in 2009, a position he held until his resignation was accepted by Pope Francis on June 27, 2024.

Pope Francis elevated Kovithavanij to the rank of Cardinal on February 14, 2015.

The cardinal has been an active member of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand, serving as its vice-president since 2009 and later as its President from 2015.

Cardinal Kovithavanij has expressed clear views on interreligious dialogue and unity. He believes that Asian Catholics, and Asians in general, have a cultural sensibility that promotes strong values and respects people’s dignity. He stated, “Asian people by nature are religious people. We are open to other religions, to other people. We see the possibilities of interreligious collaboration. We respect each other’s faith.”

The cardinal has also shown a strong interest in promoting peace and unity in Thailand, particularly in the context of political instability. He suggested that when the Thai national anthem is broadcast daily, citizens should pause for an additional minute to pray for peace and unity. This proposal was shared with Buddhist and Muslim leaders and later presented to government officials.

Due to his focus on issues closer to home, Cardinal Kovithavanij has expressed few, if any, public views on such issues as abortion, climate change, and same-sex blessings.