The Vatican’s Newest Stars: Cardinal-elect Kikuchi and His Journey
Picture this: Being plucked from the outskirts of nowhere and thrust into the dizzying heights of the Catholic Church’s elite, aka the College of Cardinals. Yes, that’s the working title for Pope Francis’s latest reality show, where we learn that distance from Rome does not equate to distance from zeal, or as they say on the streets, “Out of sight, out of mind?” Apparently not. But really, when it comes to devotion, it seems the further you are from Vatican City, the more fervent the faith. It’s like a twisted cover of “Where’s Waldo?” – instead, it’s “Where’s the devotion?” And the answer? All over Asia, apparently!
From the Land of the Rising Sun to the Papal Faction
In a move that’s been both expected and liked by many, Pope Francis recently announced that 21 men, including five from Asia, are about to don the infamous red hats of the cardinals. Let’s keep in mind that Rome has a long history of appointing cardinals from places you never knew had churches (or were even on a map)! Count Tokyo’s Archbishop Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi as one of our newfound spiritual rockstars. He’s the second Japanese cardinal; the first went hiking in the 17th century and hasn’t been spotted since!
From Miyako to the Mission Field: Kikuchi’s Early Economics of Faith
Let’s address the elephant in the room—this isn’t just any old jolly priest from a sleepy coastal town. Kikuchi was raised in a Catholic household in Miyako, Japan, where the local church was outshone, it seems, by the kindergarten—that’s the power of education in Japan! They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree; well, in Kikuchi’s case, it fell to a family of catechists!
So, how does a chap turn into a cardinal from a remote area? He apparently took a voyage to Africa because a mate in Chicago made it sound fun. “It’s not just me telling you about it, it’s a whole culture,” exclaimed Kikuchi. Spending eight years in a remote area doing God’s work sounds like he should have earned his stripes on a reality survival show—‘60 Days in the Bush: Catholic Edition.’ Face paint not included.
The Humanitarian Heart of a Cardinal
Returning home, he further solidified his reputation as the head honcho of humanitarian efforts. As a volunteer for Caritas, Kikuchi’s journey led him to serve Rwandan refugees in Zaire. From then on, he might as well have changed his name to “Kikuchi the Benefactor.” From executive director to bishop—and later president of Caritas Japan—this man seems to be heating up the humanitarian circuit like a spicy miso soup!
In a world filled to the brim with natural disasters, including those in his own backyard, he led efforts that truly engaged people—so much so that the locals affectionately dubbed his youth volunteers “Miss Caritas” and “Mr. Caritas.” Now that’s branding! Ask any entrepreneur, and they’d tell you—good marketing is about making your audience feel something. He managed to fill hearts and stomachs, which is almost like getting double points in the Church’s scoring system!
Embracing Diversity: The Cardinal’s New Challenge
He’s not stopping there, folks. Kikuchi is dead set on making the Catholic Church in Japan more inclusive. With about 500,000 expatriate Catholics making their way to Japan, he’s waving his arms, saying, “Come on in, the water’s fine!” If only everyone had that welcoming spirit. In a world that struggles with acceptance, he’s flipping the narrative by embracing the multicultural aspect of his flock!
A Global Perspective: Nuclear Concerns
With 2024 marking the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, Kikuchi is the guy you want on your panel discussion. Far from being just a talking head in a suit, he’s got plans and concerns on the global stage regarding nuclear arms. “It’s insane!” he argues. “If you drop the bomb, you’re basically saying, ‘Oops, bye-bye!’ to both your target and your environment!”
His ability to mix calm deliberation with a touch of fervor is something to behold. Honestly, I could just see him with a bunch of pigeons at St. Peter’s Square, explaining why nuclear weapons are less effective than a well-placed ‘Hail Mary’ during a Vatican football match!
God Save the King of Cardiology? No, Just Kikuchi!
So, as we dive headfirst into this new era for the Catholic Church, keep an eye on our Cardinal-elect Kikuchi. He’s not only proof that God works in mysterious ways but also that good things can come from places you’d least expect. The Church is changing, evolving, and entering a new phase where the real work and heart seem to lie away from the three-piece suits in Rome, focusing on compassion, acceptance, and global outreach. Naturally, it’s been done with Kikuchi’s own charming brand of flair!
