Louis-Marie Ling Mangkhanekhoun, born on April fifth, nineteen forty-four, is a distinguished Laotian prelate of the Catholic Church. He has dedicated his life to serving the faith, becoming a bishop in two thousand one and later being elevated to cardinal on June twenty-eight, two thousand seventeen. His appointment as the Vicar Apostolic of Vientiane in December two thousand seventeen marked a significant milestone in his ecclesiastical career.
As the first cardinal from Laos, Cardinal Ling has played a pivotal role in the Catholic community, guiding and nurturing the spiritual growth of his congregation. His leadership has been characterized by a commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and promoting peace within the region.
Fluent in Khmu, Lao, French, and English, Cardinal Ling is known for his ability to connect with diverse communities. He is often referred to as Bishop or Cardinal Ling, reflecting the respect and admiration he has garnered throughout his ministry.
With his term as Vicar Apostolic set to conclude in December two thousand twenty-four, Cardinal Ling's contributions to the Church and his community continue to resonate, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.