Syro-Malabar Major Archbishop Meets Pope Leo at Vatican

Vatican, 18 Dec, 2025: In a significant moment for the Syro-Malabar Church, the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church met Pope Leo on December 15, 2025, in the Vatican. The meeting brought together key leaders of the Syro-Malabar Church, with the Major Archbishop accompanied by Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplani, Secretary of the Syro-Malabar Bishops’ Synod, and Bishop Mar Stephen Chirappanath, Procurator of the Major Archbishop in Rome.

During the nearly hour-long meeting, the Major Archbishop expressed the heartfelt gratitude of the Syro-Malabar Church to the Holy Father for approving the establishment of four new provinces outside Kerala and for granting an Apostolic Visitation to the Gulf region. He also thanked the Pope for approving the Synod’s decision to redraw the boundaries of the twelve dioceses. Mar Raphael Thattil informed the Pope that these decisions have given great strength and hope to the spiritual care of the Syro-Malabar faithful worldwide and to the Church’s missionary efforts.

The Holy Father, while emphasising the valuable contributions made by the Syro-Malabar Church at various levels of the Universal Church and in missionary activities, recalled his closeness to the Syro-Malabar Church and his previous visits to Kerala.

In addition, the Venerable Fathers brought to the Holy Father’s attention the current situation in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam–Angamaly. The Major Archbishop explained the steps taken to restore peace and unity and the efforts being made to achieve unity through dialogue and tolerance. The Holy Father listened attentively and stressed the need for the faithful, clergy, and laity of the Archdiocese to fully cooperate with the measures being implemented to ensure communion.

As part of the visit, the Major Archbishop and the Synod Secretary also met the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin; the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti; and the heads of several other Vatican offices. The meetings focused on discussing various matters related to the Church and expressing gratitude for the support and assistance being provided.

Courtesy: Syro-Malabar News