Sybil Kathigasu, a wartime nurse and resistance figure, is now under consideration for sainthood. The initiative, led by Cardinal Sebastian Francis, represents a significant departure from traditional models of sanctity.
Image: from Mujeres Con Ciencia X @mujerconciencia
One year after the death of Pope Francis, his influence is still unfolding, particularly across Asia, where his papacy left a lasting and transformative mark on the Catholic Church. From pastoral outreach to diplomatic engagement, Francis helped reposition the region from the margins to the center of global Catholic life.
During his 12-year pontificate, Francis made Asia a priority in a way that contrasted sharply with Pope Benedict XVI, who never visited the region. His successor, Pope Leo XIV, is now shifting attention toward Africa, but Francis’ legacy in Asia continues to shape the Church’s direction.
A papacy rooted in the peripheries
Francis undertook seven apostolic journeys across Asia, visiting more than a dozen countries. His final trip in 2024 was also the longest of his papacy, underscoring his commitment to the region.
In Indonesia, he received an enthusiastic welcome that challenged assumptions about interfaith distance between Muslims and Christians. In Papua New Guinea, he emphasized solidarity with marginalized communities, while in Timor-Leste, he encouraged a young Catholic nation to confront poverty and corruption. His visit to Singapore highlighted the importance of meaningful interreligious dialogue beyond symbolic gestures.
Beyond travel, Francis reshaped Church leadership. He increased the number of Asian cardinals and placed figures from the region in key Vatican roles, including positions linked to evangelization, clergy, and interreligious dialogue. Asia’s influence within the Church grew significantly during his tenure.
Diplomacy and dialogue
Francis also pursued a bold diplomatic agenda in Asia. He consistently advocated for the Rohingya, a persecuted Muslim minority in Myanmar, and worked to improve relations with countries such as Vietnam and China.
A landmark moment came in 2018, when the Vatican reached an agreement with Beijing on the appointment of bishops. Despite criticism, the deal eased longstanding tensions and created new channels of trust. It also highlighted Francis’ willingness to engage complex political realities without aligning fully with global power rivalries.
His approach elevated Asia’s role in the Church’s global strategy, a shift that became evident during the conclave following his death, where Asian perspectives carried unprecedented weight. Figures such as Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle emerged as serious contenders for the papacy, reflecting this broader transformation.
A legacy that continues to evolve
Francis’ emphasis on the “peripheries,” migration, ecology, and interfaith dialogue helped redefine Catholic priorities in Asia. His promotion of synodality, a model of shared governance and dialogue, encouraged local Churches to take a more active role in shaping their future.
This legacy is not always visible in headlines. Instead, it unfolds gradually, influencing attitudes, practices, and expectations across the region.
One striking example is emerging in Malaysia, where a potential canonization case reflects these deeper shifts.
The case of Sybil Kathigasu
The life of Sybil Kathigasu, a wartime nurse and resistance figure, is now under consideration for sainthood. The initiative, led by Cardinal Sebastian Francis, represents a significant departure from traditional models of sanctity.
Born in Sumatra in 1899 and later based in Malaya, Kathigasu was a multilingual, educated woman who managed a medical clinic and cared for her family. During the Japanese occupation, she secretly aided resistance fighters and defied authorities by maintaining access to outside information. Arrested and tortured, she refused to betray others, ultimately sacrificing her health and life.
Her story is complex. She does not fit conventional expectations of a saint. She had a professional life, navigated personal challenges, and engaged with politically sensitive groups. Yet her courage, moral conviction, and willingness to suffer for others present a compelling case for recognition.
Her legacy has long been debated in Malaysia, where shifting national narratives and religious identities have complicated her place in public memory. The decision to explore her canonization signals a broader willingness within the Church to embrace more nuanced and human expressions of holiness.
A changing vision of sainthood
The potential canonization of Kathigasu reflects the enduring influence of Francis’ vision. By elevating figures from the margins and acknowledging the complexity of human lives, his legacy continues to reshape how sanctity is understood.
This evolution challenges rigid definitions and opens the door to a more inclusive and globally representative Church. It also highlights Asia’s growing role in shaping that future.
From diplomatic breakthroughs to the recognition of overlooked figures, the impact of Pope Francis continues to resonate. In places he never visited, such as Malaysia, his influence is still being felt.
And through stories like that of Sybil Kathigasu, Asia is not only reflecting that legacy, it is helping define what comes next.