“Servant of God, Shepherd for the World – Cardinal Ranjith Named as Leading Papal Hopeful” – Prof. Patrick Mendis
With the passing of Pope Francis, speculation has intensified about who will lead the Roman Catholic Church into a new era. Among the names quietly but firmly mentioned in global Catholic circles is that of Sri Lanka’s own Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, a figure revered for his unwavering commitment to justice, interfaith harmony, and global diplomacy.
Described as a “God-sent servant-leader” by Prof. Patrick Mendis, an award-winning Sri Lanka-born U.S. diplomat and international relations scholar, Cardinal Ranjith’s life of service reflects a remarkable combination of pastoral dedication and diplomatic gravitas. Before becoming the second Sri Lankan cardinal in the island’s millennia-old Christian history, he served as the Vatican’s envoy to Indonesia and East Timor, establishing his reputation as a skilled peace-builder long before the world came to know him through his bold stance for justice following the tragic 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.
Cardinal Ranjith is currently one of 135 eligible electors in the College of Cardinals tasked with selecting the next pope, a conclave that Vatican watchers believe may prioritize international experience and moral clarity. Although not named on popular shortlists such as those published by The New York Times, Prof. Mendis argues that the next pope could very well come from outside the typical Western narrative, just as did the previous pontiffs from Poland, Germany, and Argentina.
“Given the polarizing divide between conservative and liberal factions within the Vatican, the Church desperately needs a bridge-builder, a man rooted in spiritual humility, and courageous truth,” said Mendis, who worked under Pope John Paul II in the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue in Rome. “Cardinal Ranjith is just that. He’s not just a leading Sri Lankan moral figure; he’s a global asset for peace and diplomacy.”
Now a distinguished visiting professor at the renowned Jagiellonian University in Poland, the alma mater of Pope John Paul II and astronomer Nicholas Copernicus, Prof. Mendis speaks with deep admiration for his long-time friend.
Born in Polonnaruwa to a Catholic father and Buddhist mother, Mendis says his childhood among both Catholic priests and Buddhist monks shaped his own vision for harmony. He credits Cardinal Ranjith’s influence and legacy for inspiring him to donate his ancestral property in Polonnaruwa to the Holy Rosary Church built by his grandparents.
Fluent in ten languages ranging from Latin and Hebrew to Tamil and Sinhalese, Cardinal Ranjith has been described by Mendis as “deeply pastoral and intellectually profound.” The cardinal’s academic credentials are equally impressive: an alumnus of the Pontifical Urban College and the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, he also completed postdoctoral studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
His rise through the Church hierarchy has been steady. Appointed auxiliary bishop of Colombo by Pope John Paul II, Cardinal Ranjith was later named the first bishop of the newly created Diocese of Ratnapura. In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Archbishop of Colombo, and the following year elevated him as Sri Lanka’s second cardinal.
Despite these accolades, it is his unyielding pursuit of justice for the Easter Sunday victims that has defined his recent legacy. His leadership through that dark chapter, calling for transparency and truth from both local and international authorities, has earned him admiration far beyond Sri Lanka’s borders.
“I believe Cardinal Ranjith may now have an unprecedented opportunity not just to lead the Catholic Church, but to raise Sri Lanka’s moral voice on the world stage,” Mendis said. “We must remember that miracles do happen. And in this case, Sri Lanka’s renaissance might just begin with a cardinal who never stopped serving the people.”
As the conclave prepares to meet, and the world watches in quiet anticipation, the story of Cardinal Ranjith serves not only as a testament to spiritual leadership but also as a reminder that faith, diplomacy, and courage can converge in the most unlikely of places.
Main picture caption: Prof. Patrick Mendis and His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith at his Residence in Colombo, January 2025.
