Tag: GlobalChurch

#faith

Pope Leo Welcomes South Korea’s Ambassador to the Holy See

allycaralgoa

Pope Leo welcomed the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Holy See, Hyung Sik Shin, during an official audience at the Apostolic Palace, reaffirming the long-standing diplomatic and spiritual relationship between the two nations.

The Holy See and South Korea formally established diplomatic relations in 1963, a partnership that has continued to grow over the decades through dialogue, cooperation, and shared values rooted in peace, reconciliation, and human dignity.

Relations between the Vatican and South Korea have been further strengthened through historic papal visits. Pope St. John Paul II visited the country twice, in 1984 and 1989, playing a significant role in encouraging faith, unity, and social responsibility among the Korean faithful. Pope Francis also made a landmark visit in 2014, leaving a lasting impact through his message of compassion, youth engagement, and solidarity with the marginalized.

During the meeting, the audience reflected the continued commitment of both sides to fostering mutual understanding and collaboration, particularly in areas of peace-building and the promotion of humanitarian values.

The Holy See maintains a close bond with the Catholic community in South Korea, one of the most vibrant and rapidly growing Catholic populations in Asia, and continues to support dialogue and harmony on the Korean Peninsula.

#faith

Syro-Malabar Major Archbishop Meets Pope Leo at Vatican

allycaralgoa

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.