Mangalurean Priest Rev. Fr Victor Vijay Lobo Elected President of SIGNIS Asia

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Mangaluru: Rev. Fr Victor Vijay Lobo, a prominent priest of the Diocese of Mangalore and current President of SIGNIS India, achieved a significant milestone on Monday, October 26, 2026, after being elected President of SIGNIS Asia for the 2026–2030 tenure. The election took place during the SIGNIS Asian Assembly held at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre in Saigon, Vietnam. SIGNIS, which serves as the World Catholic Association for Communication, saw delegates from 12 member nations out of 16 participating in the hybrid voting process to bestow a decisive continental mandate on Fr Lobo.

Hailing from Vittal in Dakshina Kannada, Fr Lobo was ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Mangalore on April 24, 2003, bringing over two decades of extensive pastoral and administrative leadership to his international post. Over the years, he served as Media Director of the Diocese and Director of the Canara Communication Centre (2006–2013), and later headed the Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education (2012–2018), overseeing the prestigious Sandesha Awards. He also managed the financial and public relations affairs of the diocese as Financial Administrator and PRO from 2018 to 2023. Presently, he serves as the Parish Priest of St Anthony Church, Kulur, alongside his role as National President of SIGNIS India (2023–2027).

Outlining his strategic roadmap for SIGNIS Asia during his inaugural address, Fr Lobo underscored a vision focused on inter-country collaboration, digital formation, and inclusive governance. He highlighted the importance of empowering youth and media professionals to navigate emerging media technologies ethically, while also encouraging lay professionals, women, and young communicators to take active decision-making roles. Expressing his gratitude, Fr Lobo committed to fostering transparent leadership and building a connected, future-ready organization alongside all member countries.

The newly formed continental executive board for SIGNIS Asia features Ms Pie Mabanta-Fenomeno of the Philippines as Vice President, Ms Kagnha Keo of Cambodia as Secretary, and Mr Paul Chan Namgoong of South Korea as Treasurer. Additionally, Ms Cuc Daisy Pham of Vietnam and Fr Nikhil Gomes of Bangladesh join as executive board members, with Fr Qaisar Feroz OFM Cap of Pakistan serving as stand-in delegate. SIGNIS India, SIGNIS Karnataka, the Diocese of Mangalore, and the Canara Communication Centre extended their warmest congratulations to Fr Victor Vijay Lobo for his appointment to this prestigious leadership position.