THE Roman Catholic Church has appointed a Singaporean to one of its 12 Pontifical Councils in the Vatican.
The councils, which together comprise about 600 people
worldwide, advise Pope Benedict XVI on matters ranging from interfaith
dialogue to migrant issues.
Mr Michael Thio, 65, a former director of British Telecom,
will serve as a member of the Pontifical Council of Cor Unum - or 'One
Heart' - which oversees the Church's charity programmes.
The appointment was announced by the Vatican - the central governing body for Catholics around the world - last Thursday.
Only one other Singaporean - Sister Theresa Seow, 54, a Canossian nun - has been known to serve the Vatican as a council member.
On his new appointment, Mr Thio told The Straits Times on
Sunday that he would bring 'systemic change' to the lives of the poor,
starting with those in developing countries.
SIC: ST/INT'L