It was with immense joy that I received the news that, on May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV, the 267th successor of Saint Peter the Apostle. I consider it a divine blessing that I was in Rome at that time, having come to attend the funeral rites of the late, dearly remembered Pope Francis and to participate in the jubilee celebrations led by the Eastern Churches. I was privileged to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV and to witness and listen to him closely in the early days of his pontificate. It is in the light of my personal conversation with the Holy Father that I would now like to share some reflections on Pope Leo XIV.
It is indeed true that the adoption of the name “Leo XIV” by Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was a matter of wonder for the whole world. The natural question that arose was whether he, like Pope Leo XIII, would also demonstrate a deep concern for social realities and issues. But Pope Leo XIV unequivocally affirmed that his approach would indeed be a continuation of the social sensitivity exemplified by Leo XIII. He clearly expressed that he would stand for human dignity and human rights, particularly in the face of modern challenges such as the revolutionary growth of technologies, including artificial intelligence, which threaten to erode the value of humanity.
I perceive Pope Leo as a visionary missionary—one who was born in the First World and who deliberately chose to live among the people of the Third World. From his very first speech, the Holy Father’s emphasis on a renewed missionary orientation for the Church deeply moved me, as someone who has lived and served for many years in mission territories. His declaration that “The world needs the light of Christ” is a powerful source of inspiration and zeal for missionaries around the globe.
Having spent over two decades living among and witnessing to the Gospel among the poor in the remote outskirts of Trujillo, a city in Peru, Pope Leo XIV’s election gives me firm hope that his pontificate will renew the Church’s missionary outlook in the 21st century. The Syro-Malabar Church is one of the most mission-oriented Churches in the world. Our faithful are serving as missionaries in various parts of the globe. Still, there are numerous areas yet to be reached with the Gospel. I firmly believe that during the time of Pope Leo, our Church’s missionary endeavors will receive new opportunities and pathways.
Just as Pope Leo XIII presented to the world the antiquity, richness, and greatness of Eastern theology, liturgy, and spirituality through Orientalium Dignitas, Pope Leo XIV, at the very beginning of his pontificate, has shown an openness to embracing the spiritual treasures of the Eastern Churches. His words to the Eastern Churches are deeply meaningful: “The world needs you. You are precious before God. Your liturgical language is invaluable. With your ancient spirituality, you can enrich the spiritual life of the universal Church.” These are the words of a successor of Saint Peter who has recognized the grandeur of the East.
There is great hope that during the time of Pope Leo XIV, serious efforts will be made to promote and protect Eastern theology and liturgical traditions. This is especially important now that the Syro-Malabar Church has become a global Church, and since the support of bishops from Latin-rite dioceses across various parts of the world is crucial for our Church’s growth. It is comforting that Pope Leo has asked the Western Church to support and protect the Eastern Churches.
Pope Leo XIV bears a great responsibility, and he will need our prayers to fulfill this mission in accordance with God’s will. Therefore, let us include Pope Leo XIV in our prayers from now on.
Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil
