Divine Word Missionaries

Fr. Paulus Budi Kleden, SVD

Breaking News

Pope Francis appoints an SVD Bishop

Fr. Paulus Budi Kleden, SVD

On May 25, 2024, the Holy See announced that His Holiness, Pope Francis, has appointed our confrere, Fr. Paulus Budi Kleden, SVD, as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Ende in Indonesia, until now Superior General of the Society of the Divine Word.

Curriculum Vitae:

• Date of birth: November 16, 1965.
• Place of birth: Waibalun, Diocese of Larantuka, Indonesia.
• Novitiate: July 31, 1985, in Ledalero, Indonesia.
• First Vows: August 1, 1987, in Ledalero.
• Perpetual Vows: September 29, 1992, in St. Gabriel, Austria.
• Priestly Ordination: May 15, 1993, in St. Gabriel, Austria.
• First assignment: Switzerland (1993-1996).
• He has a Doctorate in Systematic Theology from the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Germany.

Since his ordination to the priesthood, he has exercised various ministries and responsibilities:

• Lecturer at Seminary St. Paul, Ledalero (2001-2012).
• Formator at Seminary St. Paul, Ledalero (2001-2005).
• Provincial Admonitor of IDE (2005-2007).
• Vice Superior Provincial of IDE (2007-2008).
• General Councilor (2012-2018).
• Superior General (2018-2024).

The Holy See authorized Fr. Budi Kleden to continue as Superior General and to preside over our next General Chapter, till its closure.

The Archdiocese of Ende
was erected in 1913 as an Apostolic Prefecture. In 1961 it became an archdiocese. It has 5,084 square kilometers and 486,000 Catholics (in a population of 602,000). It has 72 parishes, 261 priests (185 diocesan, 76 religious), 9 deacons, 230 members of women’s religious institutes, 203 members of men’s religious institutes, 74 seminarians (2023).

Congratulations to Fr. Paulus Budi Kleden. His appointment is an honor and recognition of Fr. Budi and the Society of the Divine Word. While thanking God for his new gift in the Church, we pray for God’s continued blessing on Fr. Budi Kleden.

We share the joy of our confrere over his appointment as the archbishop of the archdiocese of Ende. By naming our confrere to the episcopal ministry, the Holy Father has once again expressed the confidence of the Holy See in our Society. The pastoral service that will be assumed by archbishop-elect Budi Kleden is important in the local Church of Indonesia. He needs our prayers and support. May the Holy Spirit assist Fr. Budi Kleden so that he continues to radiate the “goodness and kindness of God” through his life and work (cfr. Prologue of the Constitutions).

Rome, May 25, 2024
José Antunes da Silva,
SVD Vice Superior General