KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — The Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese today announced Fr Julian Leow Beng Kim as Rome's choice of fill the vacant post of Archbishop.
The priest was officially appointed by Pope Francis today, replacing Archbishop Emeritus Tan Sri Murphy Pakiam.
Leow, 50, was born in Seremban and has been a clergyman with the Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese since 2002.
Speaking to reporters Leow said he was happy at his appointment but apprehensive of his new responsibilities.
“I'm still reeling. I just found out a few days ago... I was hoping it was somebody else, because it is a very heavy responsibility,” said Leow, who has a degree in Building from the New South Wales University .
Leow said he will strive to hold more inter-faith dialogues to foster greater understanding among Malaysians.
Leow is the fourth Archbishop to lead the Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese.
The first Archbishop to lead the Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese was the late Archbishop Emeritus Tan Sri Dominic Vendargon, who served for nearly 30 years from 1955 to 1983.
He was succeeded by Archbishop Emeritus Anthony Soter Fernandez, who was then replaced by Pakiam in 2003. Pakiam held the post for a decade before retiring last year.
