William Seng Chye Goh was born on 25 June 1957 in Singapore and attended Montfort Secondary School. He studied philosophy at the College General major seminary in Penang, Malaysia, and theology at the Singapore Major Seminary. He was ordained a priest on 1 May 1985 for the Archdiocese of Singapore, served as parish vicar of Holy Cross from 1985 to 1990, and then studied for a licentiate in theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome from 1990 to 1992. On his return he was parish priest of Saint Anne's (1992-1993), professor and formator at the Singapore Major Seminary (1992-2005), and from 2005 rector of the seminary.
On 29 December 2012 he was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Singapore, and on 18 May 2013 Pope Francis appointed him Archbishop of Singapore in succession to Nicholas Chia. He has described his aim as building a vibrant, evangelising and missionary archdiocese, and in a city-state of Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, Taoists and Hindus he has made interreligious dialogue and religious harmony a signature theme, while serving on Singapore's Presidential Council for Religious Harmony.
Pope Francis created him a cardinal in the consistory of 27 August 2022, assigning him the titular church of S. Maria "Regina Pacis" in Ostia mare; he is the first cardinal from Singapore. He is a member of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. In September 2024 he hosted Pope Francis's visit to Singapore, and he participated as a cardinal elector in the 2025 papal conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV.
Consequential Quotes
I believe his visit has revived the faith of our people. His visit has caused many of our Catholics to work together.
It's a very rare occasion when all Catholics come together to work side by side. All of them have been very enthusiastic and have felt that it is a great privilege to be part of this entire organizing committee, to plan and work for the success of the papal visit.
We want peace, we want harmony, and we want people to work together and care about each other.
Interreligious dialogue means interacting with people beyond religious borders to collaborate and promote peace in society, in Asia, and in the world.
You cannot dialogue with others if you do not know your own faith.
The countries are so diverse in terms of political stability, culture, religion, and standards of living. We have many and very diverse languages when we come together.
Major Works & Initiatives
Rector, St Francis Xavier Major Seminary, Singapore
After serving as professor and formator at the seminary from 1992 to 2005, he became its rector in 2005, a formation role he held until his appointment as coadjutor archbishop.
Archbishop of Singapore — a vibrant, evangelising and missionary Church
His stated pastoral vision for the archdiocese, repeated when he was named a cardinal in 2022: building a Church that is vibrant, evangelising and missionary.
Member, Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life
Curial membership recorded in his Holy See Press Office biography following his creation as cardinal on 27 August 2022.
Host archbishop for Pope Francis's visit to Singapore
He led the Singapore Church's welcome for the September 2024 papal visit, which he said in a Vatican News interview had revived the faith of local Catholics and drawn them together in organising it.
Controversies
On the record
No significant public controversies reported.
Sources
- Holy See Press Office — biography
- Wikipedia
- Catholic News Agency — Pope Francis' visit to Singapore 'has revived the faith of our people,' 17 September 2024
- Herald Malaysia (LiCAS News / Fides) — Cardinal William Goh vows to promote 'religious harmony'
- LiCAS News — Singapore's cardinal-elect says 'diversity is greatest challenge' for Catholic Church in Asia, 6 July 2022