Vatican City, December 18, 2025: In a moment of profound importance for the Syro-Malabar Church, the Major Archbishop, Mar Raphael Thattil, met Pope Leo on December 15, 2025, at the Vatican. The meeting highlighted the growing global presence and missionary dynamism of the Syro-Malabar Church.
Accompanying the Major Archbishop were Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplani, Secretary of the Syro-Malabar Bishops’ Synod, and Bishop Mar Stephen Chirappanath, Procurator of the Major Archbishop in Rome. The nearly hour-long audience was marked by cordial dialogue, reflection, and mutual encouragement.
During the meeting, Mar Raphael Thattil conveyed the heartfelt gratitude of the Syro-Malabar Church to the Holy Father for approving the establishment of four new ecclesiastical provinces outside Kerala. He also thanked Pope Leo for granting an Apostolic Visitation to the Gulf region and for approving the Synod’s decision to redraw the boundaries of twelve dioceses. These landmark decisions, he noted, have strengthened pastoral care and infused renewed hope among Syro-Malabar faithful across the world.
Pope Leo warmly acknowledged the Syro-Malabar Church’s significant contributions to the Universal Church, particularly in missionary outreach and pastoral service. He fondly recalled his own closeness to the Syro-Malabar community and his earlier visits to Kerala.
The meeting also addressed the current situation in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam–Angamaly. The Major Archbishop briefed the Holy Father on ongoing efforts to restore peace and unity through dialogue, tolerance, and pastoral sensitivity. Pope Leo listened attentively and emphasised the need for cooperation among clergy, religious, and laity to ensure ecclesial communion.
As part of the Vatican visit, the Syro-Malabar delegation also met Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State; Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches; and officials of several Vatican departments. These interactions focused on strengthening collaboration and expressing gratitude for continued support to the Syro-Malabar Church.
The visit reaffirmed the Syro-Malabar Church’s deep communion with the Holy See and its commitment to unity, mission, and service across continents.
Discover more from Allycaral
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
