Archbishop Andrews Thazhath Officially Invites Pope Leo to Visit India

New Delhi, October 23, 2025: Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) and Archbishop of Trichur, met Pope Leo XIV during the General Audience at the Vatican on October 22, 2025.

Following the audience, Archbishop Thazhath shared his delight and gratitude for the opportunity to meet the Holy Father once more. “I am very happy to inform you that today I had the great privilege and honor of meeting Pope Leo XIV during the General Audience. I had earlier met him on May 14, 2025, shortly after his election, when he granted an audience to the Oriental Bishops and faithful,” he said.

During the encounter, Archbishop Thazhath extended a formal invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit India at the earliest possible date, presenting him with an official letter on behalf of the Church in India. He also provided the Pope with a detailed report on the state of the Catholic Church in India, including a SWOT analysis that outlined its activities, challenges, and positive contributions.

“I informed the Holy Father that I would also be discussing this matter with the Government of India,” the Archbishop noted. He added that discussions about the papal visit would continue in a meeting scheduled for October 23 with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State.

Archbishop Thazhath shared that the Pope received the invitation warmly and offered his apostolic blessings to the Church and the people of India. “Pope Leo XIV was very happy and conveyed his blessings for the Catholic Church in India and for all the people of our nation,” he said.

He also highlighted that the next General Body Meeting of the Catholic Bishops of India will take place in February 2026, and he sought the Pope’s message and special blessing for the gathering.

“The Holy Father loves the Church in India and continues to bless us,” Archbishop Thazhath affirmed.

Source: CBCI