A Sri Lankan prelate who serves as the Archbishop of Colombo, playing a key role in the country's Catholic Church and advocating for human rights and reconciliation. He's a prominent figure in Sri Lankan religious and social circles.
Malcolm Ranjith, a prominent figure in the Catholic Church, is known for his esteemed role as the Archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka, since 2009, and his elevation to cardinal in 2010. As a prelate of the Catholic Church, Ranjith has had a profound impact on the Church's stance on various theological issues and has played a crucial role in shaping its policies.
Born Patabendige Albert Malcolm Ranjith on November 15, 1947, in Polgahawela, British Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Ranjith was the eldest and only boy of four children. His interest in becoming a priest was sparked by a French missionary priest assigned to his parish, who set an exemplary model for him to follow.
Ranjith pursued his theological studies in Rome, earning a degree in theology from the Pontifical Urban College and a licentiate from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in 1978. He furthered his education with postdoctoral work at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
On June 29, 1975, Ranjith was ordained to the priesthood by Pope Paul VI in St. Peter's Square. He later joined the tutorial staff of St. Thomas College, Kotte, before being appointed auxiliary bishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and titular bishop of Cabarsussi on June 17, 1991.
Ranjith received his episcopal consecration on August 31, 1991, from Nicholas Fernando, Archbishop of Colombo. During this period, he led a commission that denounced the theological work of Sri Lankan theologian Tissa Balasuriya, charging him with questioning original sin and the divinity of Christ, as well as supporting women's ordination.
Ranjith's stance on theological issues aligned with that of Cardinal Ratzinger, which further solidified his position within the Church. He went on to serve as Bishop of Ratnapura from 1995 to 2001, Adjunct Secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples from 2001 to 2004, and Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia and East Timor from 2004 to 2005.
In 2005, Ranjith was appointed Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, a position he held until 2009. His experience and dedication to the Church ultimately led to his appointment as Archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka, in 2009, and his elevation to cardinal in 2010.
Throughout his career, Ranjith has played a crucial role in shaping the Catholic Church's stance on various theological issues. His commitment to upholding traditional Catholic values has earned him recognition and respect within the Church.
As a cardinal, Ranjith has participated in two papal conclaves, the first in 2013, which elected Pope Francis, and the second in 2020, which elected Pope Francis's successor.
Malcolm Ranjith's dedication to the Catholic Church has made him a prominent figure in the ecclesiastical world. His commitment to upholding traditional Catholic values has earned him recognition and respect within the Church.
89 Years Old
The leader of the Catholic Church, known for his progressive stance on social issues and efforts to reform the Church, inspiring millions worldwide.
99 Years Old
The first pope to resign in nearly 600 years, he's known for his conservative views and efforts to strengthen the Catholic Church's traditional teachings. He's also a prolific writer and theologian.
