SVD
Generalate

Dear Tarcisio Cardinal Isao Kikuchi,

The news of your nomination to the College of Cardinals by the Holy Father Pope Francis, comes to us as a great joy and pride. On behalf of the entire Society of the Divine Word, I congratulate you. We are doubly delighted that after a long gap, the Pope has nominated two SVD archbishops as Cardinals. As we celebrate the Sesquicentennial Jubilee of our congregation, the nomination of two Divine Word Missionaries – Your Eminence and Ladislav Cardinal Nemet – as Cardinals is an appreciation of the significant role the SVDs play in promoting the Missio Dei.  

I must acknowledge that your elevation to this august office of the Cardinal is a fitting recognition of your dedication and love for the people of God and proclamation of faith not only in the archdiocese of Tokyo and Japan but in the entire Church. Your election to closely assist the Holy Father in leading the Catholic Church in the “synodal way” in these difficult times, reveal your credentials and quality of your commitment to the mission of Christ. May the Holy Spirit continue to assist you in the discharge of your duties as a Cardinal. Our prayers will accompany you as you assume this sacred responsibility.  May our saints Arnold Janssen and Joseph Freinademetz continue to inspire you in your efforts to make your light shine before others. 

Fr. Anselmo Ribeiro, SVD
and the Leadership Team