In a significant development for the Syro-Malabar Church, its Major Archbishop, Mar Raphael Thattil, led a high-level delegation to the Vatican for a crucial meeting with Pope Leo XIV on Monday morning. This engagement marks a pivotal moment in the Church's ongoing dialogue with the Holy See.
Key Discussions with the Pontiff
The hour-long meeting at the Vatican was attended by Mar Joseph Pamplany, the Secretary of the Syro-Malabar Synod of Bishops, and Bishop Mar Stephen Chirappanath, who serves as the Major Archbishop's procurator in Rome. Archbishop Thattil expressed the Church's profound gratitude to Pope Leo XIV for several landmark decisions.
He specifically thanked the Pope for approving the establishment of four new provinces outside Kerala, a move set to significantly enhance the Church's administrative and pastoral reach. The delegation also conveyed appreciation for the grant of an Apostolic Visitation in the Gulf region and the endorsement of the Synod's decision to reorganize the boundaries of 12 dioceses.
Addressing Internal Challenges
A central part of the discussion revolved around the current situation in the Archeparchy of Ernakulam–Angamaly. Major Archbishop Thattil provided Pope Leo XIV with a detailed briefing on the steps being undertaken to restore peace and unity within the archeparchy. He outlined the Church leadership's committed efforts to achieve reconciliation through sustained dialogue and a spirit of tolerance, acknowledging the challenges while emphasizing the path forward.
High-Level Vatican Diplomacy
Beyond the papal audience, the Syro-Malabar delegation engaged in a series of important diplomatic meetings within the Vatican's corridors of power. They held discussions with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, and Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches.
These meetings, which also included heads of several other Vatican departments, covered a wide range of Church-related matters. The interactions are seen as vital for strengthening institutional ties and ensuring smooth collaboration on both administrative and spiritual fronts between the Syro-Malabar Church and the Roman Curia.
Implications for the Church's Future
This visit underscores a period of dynamic growth and internal reflection for the Syro-Malabar Church. The approval of new provinces signifies its expanding global footprint, particularly among the diaspora. Simultaneously, the open discussion about Ernakulam-Angamaly highlights a transparent approach to resolving internal disputes, seeking both papal understanding and support for its peace initiatives.
The outcomes of these high-stakes meetings are expected to have a lasting impact on the Church's governance, its geographical structure, and its ongoing mission to foster harmony among its faithful, both in India and abroad.
