Pope Leo met with clergy, religious and faithful from the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church at the Vatican on Monday for their first European convention. The meeting comes as the Church begins a multi-year spiritual renewal ahead of its centenary, marking 100 years since full communion with Rome was established through the 1932 Apostolic Constitution Christo Pastorum Principi by Pope Pius XI.
In his address, Pope Leo praised Venerable Mar Ivanios and Mar Theophilos for leading the community toward unity with the Successor of Peter. He called Mar Ivanios a “true Shepherd after the Heart of Jesus” who lived out a desire for a united Church as a sign of reconciliation. The Pope noted that even as a young priest, Mar Ivanios looked beyond his own community and stressed that missionary work happens through virtuous living and charity, not just words. Because of this witness, Pope Leo said the Syro-Malankara Church has become “a beacon of evangelical energy and apostolic charity,” serving those on the margins through education, social justice and human development.
With the Church’s growing diaspora presence, the Pope emphasized protecting Eastern Catholic spiritual and liturgical traditions. He recalled the creation of an Apostolic Exarchate for Syro-Malankara faithful in the US under Pope Benedict XVI and expanded pastoral care in Canada under Pope Francis. For Europe, Pope Leo has appointed Bishop Mar Osthathios as the first full-time Apostolic Visitator to assess pastoral needs and build lasting foundations for future generations. He also asked the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches to work with Latin bishops to help Eastern Catholics preserve their heritage while enriching local Churches.
Closing his message, Pope Leo encouraged the faithful to stay united with their Major Archbishop and Synod of Bishops, take pride in their identity, and live out their faith at home. Drawing on Saint Thomas’ reputation for strong family life, he prayed that deep faith would continue to flourish in their families, especially among young people.