By After Pope Francis: Sri Lanka’s Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith Heads to Rome as Papal Election Process Begins
Vatican City/Colombo – April 21, 2025 – The Catholic world is in mourning following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on Easter Monday morning. As tributes pour in for the first Latin American Pope – praised for his compassion, humility, and reform-minded leadership – the focus now turns to the next chapter in the Church’s history: the election of a new pope.
Among those preparing to head to Rome is Sri Lanka’s own Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo, who will be one of the 119 cardinal-electors participating in the secretive and spiritually guided papal conclave. Not only is he eligible to vote, but he is also quietly emerging as a serious contender to wear the white cassock himself.
A Trusted Vatican Insider
Cardinal Ranjith is more than just a high-ranking churchman from Asia – he is a seasoned Vatican insider with decades of experience at the heart of the Roman Curia. Appointed Archbishop of Colombo in 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI, Ranjith previously served in several key roles within the Vatican, including as Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. In that position, he was closely involved in liturgical matters and worked directly under then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who would go on to become Pope Benedict.
He is widely known for his deep loyalty to Church tradition, his strong intellectual grounding in theology, and his disciplined, no-nonsense approach to governance. Vatican observers describe him as someone who knows the inner workings of the Holy See “like the back of his hand.”
“Cardinal Ranjith isn’t just another name on the list – he’s a real insider,” said a source close to the Roman Curia. “He’s respected, experienced, and he understands both the global Church and the machinery of the Vatican.”
From Sri Lanka to the World Stage
Born in Polgahawela in 1947, Malcolm Ranjith studied in Rome and obtained degrees in theology and biblical studies. After being ordained in 1975, he quickly rose through the ranks, gaining attention for his intellect, pastoral sense, and diplomatic tact. He has represented the Holy See on missions in countries like Indonesia and East Timor and is fluent in several languages, including Italian, German, French, and Latin.
In Sri Lanka, Ranjith is known as a firm but compassionate shepherd of his flock. He played a vital role in maintaining interreligious harmony during Sri Lanka’s turbulent post-war period and has been outspoken on issues of justice, corruption, and religious freedom. His leadership following the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks further cemented his role as a moral authority in the country.
A Potential Pope from Asia?
While media speculation often centres on candidates from Europe or Latin America, the possibility of a pope from Asia is being taken more seriously than ever before. With Catholic populations growing rapidly in Asia and Africa, there is a growing belief within Church circles that the next pope could reflect the shifting global demographic.
Cardinal Ranjith, with his Vatican experience, theological depth, and global outlook, fits that mold. Though considered a conservative, he has shown a pragmatic approach in balancing tradition with pastoral care – qualities that could appeal to a divided and diverse College of Cardinals.
What Happens Now?
The conclave will begin in the coming weeks, following the funeral and nine days of mourning for Pope Francis. The world will once again watch the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, waiting for white smoke to announce the election of a new Pontiff.
For Sri Lanka, the days ahead bring not only sadness but also a sense of anticipation. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, long a respected figure in Rome, now steps into one of the most pivotal roles in the Catholic Church – as both elector, and possibly, as the elected.
