Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Queen Suthida have expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025. In a formal message of condolence to the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Their Majesties paid tribute to the late Pontiff’s global legacy of faith, hope, and compassion, while recalling his historic visit to Thailand in 2019 as a moment of deep connection with the Thai people.
A Revered Figure Remembered
The royal message, released on April 23, 2025, highlighted Pope Francis’s embodiment of virtue and his unwavering commitment to peace. “His Holiness was a beacon of virtue, embodying faith, hope, peace, and compassion for all humanity” wrote the King and Queen. They emphasized that Thailand and its people were always in the Pope’s prayers, a sentiment reflected in his numerous papal messages over the years.
The passing of Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church since 2013, has resonated deeply in Thailand, a predominantly Buddhist nation with a small but vibrant Catholic community. His death marks the end of a papacy defined by humility, interfaith dialogue, and advocacy for the marginalized—qualities that left an indelible mark during his time in Bangkok six years ago. 
A Historic Visit in 2019
Pope Francis’s visit to Thailand in November 2019 was a landmark event, symbolizing the strengthening of ties between the Vatican and the Thai monarchy, as well as fostering interfaith understanding. During his stay, the Pope met with King Vajiralongkorn at the Amporn Throne Hall in Dusit Palace, an encounter that underscored mutual respect and shared values. Their Majesties, in their condolence message, recalled being “profoundly moved by his conduct, wisdom, and exemplary moral leadership” during a private audience.
The visit also saw Pope Francis engage with diverse segments of Thai society. He celebrated an open-air Mass attended by thousands of faithful, visited hospitals to comfort the sick and impoverished, and participated in an interfaith meeting with leaders of various religious groups. “His momentous visit to Thailand in 2019 demonstrated his humility and compassion, igniting love, hope, courage, and kindness in the hearts of all” the royal message noted. For many Thais, regardless of faith, the Pope’s presence was a powerful reminder of the universal appeal of compassion and dialogue.
The 2019 visit was not just a ceremonial occasion but a significant diplomatic and cultural exchange. It built on a history of Vatican-Thai relations dating back to 1984, when Pope John Paul II became the first pontiff to visit the kingdom. Pope Francis’s trip, however, carried a unique resonance amid Thailand’s complex social and political landscape at the time, offering a message of unity that transcended religious boundaries.
Thailand’s Catholic Community and National Grief
Thailand is home to approximately 400,000 Catholics, less than 1% of the population, yet the influence of the Catholic Church extends through education, healthcare, and charity work. Schools and hospitals run by Catholic organizations have long served communities across the country, fostering goodwill among Buddhists, Muslims, and Christians alike. The passing of Pope Francis has prompted an outpouring of grief within this community, with many recalling his personal warmth during his visit.
Beyond the Catholic faithful, the Thai public has joined in mourning, reflecting the late Pope’s broader appeal. Thailand’s Supreme Patriarch, the head of the Buddhist Sangha, also issued a statement of condolence, remembering the pontiff’s efforts to promote peace and understanding across faiths. This gesture underscores the unique role Pope Francis played in bridging cultural and religious divides during his papacy.
In Bangkok, vigils and memorial services have been organized at Catholic churches, including the Assumption Cathedral, where parishioners gathered to pray for the late Pope. Local media reported poignant tributes from Thai Catholics who credited Pope Francis with inspiring them to live out values of charity and forgiveness in their daily lives. “His words during the Mass in 2019 gave me strength to help others, no matter their background” said Maria Somsak, a 42-year-old teacher from Bangkok.
A Global Loss Felt Locally
The death of Pope Francis has sparked mourning worldwide, with leaders and citizens alike reflecting on his legacy of advocating for the poor, addressing climate change, and reforming the Catholic Church. In Thailand, however, the loss feels personal for many who witnessed or were touched by his 2019 visit. The royal message of condolence captures this sentiment, noting that the King and Queen join “with people worldwide in expressing our deepest condolences and sorrow for this great loss to humanity.”
The Thai government has also acknowledged the significance of the moment. While no official state mourning has been declared, flags at some Catholic institutions were lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect. Analysts suggest that the government’s muted response reflects a balance between recognizing the Pope’s global stature and maintaining focus on domestic priorities, though the royal message itself carries substantial weight in signaling national sentiment.
Interfaith Legacy in Thailand
One of Pope Francis’s enduring contributions during his visit to Thailand was his emphasis on interfaith dialogue. At a time when religious tensions persist in parts of Southeast Asia, his meetings with Buddhist, Muslim, and Christian leaders in Bangkok offered a model for coexistence. He spoke passionately about the need for mutual respect, a message that resonated in a country where Buddhism shapes much of public life but where minority faiths also play vital roles.
This legacy of dialogue is particularly relevant in Thailand’s southern provinces, where a long-running conflict involving Muslim-majority communities has claimed thousands of lives over decades. While Pope Francis did not directly address the conflict during his visit, his broader call for peace was seen by some as an implicit encouragement for reconciliation. Religious scholars in Thailand have since cited his approach as a framework for addressing local challenges, and his passing has renewed discussions about how his teachings might continue to inspire harmony.
The Vatican and Thailand: A Continuing Bond
With Pope Francis’s passing, attention now turns to the future of Vatican-Thai relations. The Catholic Church in Thailand remains a small but influential presence, and the Thai monarchy’s warm relationship with the Holy See is likely to endure. King Vajiralongkorn’s message of condolence signals a commitment to maintaining the goodwill fostered during the late Pope’s tenure, even as the College of Cardinals prepares to elect a new pontiff in the coming weeks.
The process of selecting a successor will be closely watched in Thailand, particularly by the Catholic community, which hopes for a leader who will continue Pope Francis’s outreach to Asia. The region, often overshadowed by the Church’s traditional strongholds in Europe and Latin America, has been a growing focus for the Vatican in recent decades. Thailand, with its unique blend of religious traditions and strategic position in Southeast Asia, remains an important partner in this outreach.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Compassion
As Thailand joins the world in mourning Pope Francis, the late Pontiff’s messages of humility and compassion continue to echo. His 2019 visit remains a touchstone for many Thais, a reminder of the power of kindness to transcend borders and beliefs. While the Catholic Church prepares for a new chapter, the bonds forged during his papacy—between the Vatican and Thailand, between faiths, and between individuals—offer a foundation for hope.
In the quiet of Bangkok’s churches and the hearts of those who remember, Pope Francis’s legacy lives on, a gentle call to build a more compassionate world.
