Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil of the Syro-Malabar Church conveyed prayerful greetings to Pope Leo XIV, who is both the Bishop of Rome and the successor of Peter. He expressed great joy in the Pope’s pontificate and high hopes, especially as one of the heads of Eastern Churches. Archbishop Thattil noted that during his first meeting with the Eastern Church leaders, Pope Leo XIV reiterated the same intention as his predecessor Leo XIII — that the traditions of Eastern Churches must be preserved. This affirmation has brought great hope to the Syro-Malabar Church, which is looking forward to new possibilities in missionary fields.

At this stage when the Syro-Malabar Church has grown into a global church, the universal Pope’s open attitude will help in safeguarding its traditions and in structuring its liturgical practices, the Major Archbishop said. He assured prayers from the Syro-Malabar Church that Pope Leo XIV may fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to him as the Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church and stand as a moral conscience and symbol of spirituality for the world.