Mangalorean Priest Rev. Fr Victor Vijay Lobo Elected President of SIGNIS Asia
Mangaluru: Rev. Fr. Victor Vijay Lobo, a prominent priest of the Diocese of Mangalore and the current President of SIGNIS India, has been elected President of SIGNIS Asia for the 2026–2030 term. The election was held on Monday, October 26, 2026, during the SIGNIS Asian Assembly at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre in Saigon, Vietnam.
International Mandate at Saigon Assembly
SIGNIS, the World Catholic Association for Communication, has an Asian chapter comprising 16 member countries. The election was conducted in a hybrid format, with official delegates from 12 member nations participating in the voting, giving Fr. Lobo a strong mandate to lead the continental organisation.
Distinguished Service in the Diocese of Mangalore
Born in Vittal, Dakshina Kannada, Fr. Lobo was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Mangalore on April 24, 2003. He brings more than two decades of pastoral and administrative experience to his new international role.
He previously served as Media Director of the Diocese of Mangalore and Director of the Canara Communication Centre from 2006 to 2013, where he spearheaded the modernisation of diocesan media outreach.
From 2012 to 2018, he headed the Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education, overseeing the prestigious state-level Sandesha Awards and fostering connections between the Catholic Church and the wider regional cultural community.
He subsequently served as the Financial Administrator (Procurator) and Public Relations Officer of the diocese from 2018 to 2023, handling financial administration and public communication, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fr. Lobo currently serves as Parish Priest of St Anthony Church, Kulur, and as National President of SIGNIS India for the 2023–2027 term.
Vision for Digital Formation and Inclusion
Outlining his vision after his election, Fr. Lobo emphasised the need to build an organisation that is connected, transparent and future-ready.
His priorities for the 2026–2030 term centre on three key areas:
- Inter-country collaboration: Strengthening ties among Asian member nations through the systematic sharing of technical resources, training programmes and journalistic expertise.
- Digital formation: Equipping young people and media professionals to navigate emerging media technologies responsibly and creatively, guided by the universal values of truth, peace and human dignity.
- Inclusive governance: Promoting transparent and accountable leadership by expanding opportunities for lay professionals, women and young communicators to participate in decision-making.
“I do not claim to have all the answers, nor can one person do everything alone. But I bring my experience, a willingness to listen, and a genuine desire to work with all of you,” Fr. Lobo said in his inaugural address to the assembly.
Newly Elected Executive Board
The newly elected SIGNIS Asia executive board comprises 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.
Ms Cuc Daisy Pham of Vietnam and Fr Nikhil Gomes of Bangladesh have been elected as executive board members, while Fr Qaisar Feroz OFM Cap of Pakistan will serve as the stand-in delegate.
SIGNIS India, SIGNIS Karnataka and the Diocese of Mangalore, including the Canara Communication Centre, Mangaluru, have extended their congratulations and best wishes to Fr Lobo, wishing him a fruitful and successful tenure in his new continental leadership role.
By Rev. Fr. A. I. Fernandes, Media Coordinator, Diocese of Mangalore