The appointment of Malaysia’s first Roman Catholic cardinal also reflected the country’s multi-cultural society, Najib added, according to a report in The Star.

Fernandez was among 17 prelates who were elevated to the second highest rank within the Roman Catholic hierarchy by Pope Francis on November 19.

“Congratulations to His Eminence Rev Archbishop Anthony Soter Fernandez for being appointed a cardinal by the Pope,” said Najib on Twitter.

“Archbishop Fernandez’s appointment is a true honour for Malaysia and recognition of our multi-cultural society,” he said.

Archbishop Julian Leow of Kuala Lumpur was quoted by The Herald as saying Fernandez’s appointment as cardinal meant the Catholic Church in Malaysia would ostensibly have a greater say in Rome.

Cardinals are the most senior members of the Roman Catholic hierarchy after the pope and serve as his principal advisers around the world and in the Vatican.

Cardinal-elect Fernandez, who celebrates the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination this year, was born on April 22, 1932, and ordained a priest on Dec 10, 1966.

He was ordained bishop for the Diocese of Penang on Feb 17, 1978, and later installed as the second Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur on Nov 10, 1983. He helmed the archdiocese for 20 years before stepping down at age 71 due to health reasons, said The Herald.

The new cardinals come from 15 countries, and 13 of the new cardinals are under 80 years old and thus eligible to vote in the conclave that will one day choose Francis’ successor.

However, Fernandez who is 84 years old, is not eligible to take part in the election of a pope, said The Star report.

Fernandez is one of only three Asian cardinals appointed this time. The others are Archbishop John Ribat of Papua New Guinea and Archbishop Patrick D’Rozario of Bangladesh.