Bishop-elect Michael Pham of San Diego, the first Vietnamese-American to head a US diocese, hopes the Catholic Church will recognise its “multicultural” nature so that people of different races and ethnicities can celebrate their faith together.
Pham, 58, is the first American bishop to be appointed by Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff born in the United States. The Vatican announced his appointment on Thursday.
He is due to be installed on July 17.
At a press conference following the announcement, Pham said: “It’s wonderful news to know that a Vietnamese American, representing my heritage in the United States, can hopefully help the Church recognise the multicultural nature of this country — that we can all come together, celebrate our faith, and be united in Christ here.”
