Michael Michai Kitbunchu

Michael Mihai Cardinal Kitbunchu ( Thai: ไม เกิ้ ล มี ชัย กิจ บุญ ชู, pronunciation: [ majkɤ ː n mi ː ʨ ʰ aj kìtbunʨ ʰ u ː ]; born January 25, 1929 in Sam Phran, Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand) is an emeritus Archbishop of Bangkok.

Life

Michael Mitchai Kitbunchu studied Catholic theology and philosophy at the Seminary of Si Racha and in Rome. He received a licentiate in theology and philosophy and received in 1959 was ordained a priest. Between 1959 and 1965 worked as a chaplain in Bangham and Bangkok. From 1965 to 1972 he served as the Archbishop's Seminary rain.

On 18 December 1972 he was awarded by Pope Paul VI. the appointment as Archbishop of Bangkok. He received episcopal consecration on June 3, 1973 by his predecessor, Joseph Khiamsun Nittayo. Were co-consecrators Lawrence Thiemchai Samanchit and Michel -Auguste -Marie Langer. Kitbunchu is not only a well- educated scientists and linguists, but also an inspiring pastor. Under his leadership, the life of faith in Thailand picked up significantly, which is reflected among other things in the rising numbers of graduates of the diocesan seminaries.

Pope John Paul II took 1983 by Kitbunchus appointment as cardinal priest with the titular church of San Lorenzo in Panisperna first time a Thai in the College of Cardinals to.

He participated in the conclave of 2005, in which Benedict XVI. was elected Pope, in part. On 14 May 2009, Pope Benedict XVI. Kitbunchus reasons of age pre- mounted resignation from the office of the Archbishop of Bangkok. At the conclave in 2013, he took no further part because of the age limit.