Rev Julian Leow is the new Archbishop of KL

KUALA LUMPUR: Rev Julian Leow Beng Kim has been appointed as the new Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, replacing retired Archbishop Tan Sri Murphy Pakiam.
The announcement was made by Vatican Ambassador to Malaysia Archbishop Joseph Marino on behalf of Pope Francis at the archbishop's residence in Bukit Nanas today, which coincides with the Feast of St Thomas the Apostle.
Leow, 50, an Archdiocean clergy of Kuala Lumpur since April 2002, takes over from Murphy, who held the position for 10 years.
The canonical law requires bishops to retire at 75 years.
Leow, who is a dean in the College General Major Seminary in Penang, and has been a priest for 12 years, has to be ordained as a bishop within the next three months before taking up the position.
After the announcement, Leow said that he will initiate interfaith dialogues with the representatives of other religions.
"Pope Francis had once said that evangelism and interfaith dialogue go hand in hand.

"And the dialogue is important, not only for me but the whole country, where we are able to sit down together, be passionate about our own faith, and respect each other" he said.
When asked to comment on the "Kalimah Allah" issue, Leow said that he will reserve his views on the matter, but will issue a statement when the time is right.
When asked if he sees this position as a challenge, Leow replied, "I would say yes and no, as this can be looked upon as an opportunity in a challenge.
"It is like a shoemaker entering a place where everyone does not wear shoes. He can either look at it as an opportunity for his shoes to sell, or he could see it as a challenge," he said.