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Conclave 2025 – Latest Updates

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Conclave 2025 – Latest Updates

Who May Elect the Pope: A College Reflecting the Catholicity of the Church

Vatican City – 28 April 2025

Only cardinals under the age of 80 may cast a vote for the new Pope. Of the 135 eligible cardinal electors, nearly four out of five were appointed by Pope Francis himself—a striking testament to the missionary spirit he breathed into the Church during his twelve-year pontificate.

This conclave promises to be among the most diverse in history. Cardinals hail from nations that had never before seen a red biretta among their faithful: Mongolia, Laos, Papua New Guinea, Mali, and more.

It is a visible sign of the Church’s catholicity—her universality—not a mere diplomatic strategy, but the very lifeblood of a Church founded by Christ to be “a light to the nations.”

The conclave follows a solemn rhythm, woven through centuries of tradition and codified most recently by Pope St. John Paul II in Universi Dominici Gregis.

Each day, the cardinal electors will cast their votes in two sessions—morning and afternoon. Each ballot carries the sacred phrase Eligo in Summum Pontificem—“I elect as Supreme Pontiff…”

If no candidate achieves the two-thirds majority required, black smoke—fumata nera—will rise above the Sistine Chapel. If a Pope is elected, white smoke—fumata bianca—will announce the joyful news to the world.

Thereafter, the chosen one will don the white cassock, receive the Ring of the Fisherman, and step onto the Loggia of Blessings to offer his first Urbi et Orbi blessing, greeting the City and the World with hands lifted in benediction.

It is a process not of political calculation, but of spiritual attentiveness—the Church pausing, listening, and waiting upon the Spirit.

The Camerlengo and His Stewards: Guardians of the Church’s Temporal Goods

Vatican City – 28 April 2025

During the sede vacante—the period when the Apostolic See is vacant—the spiritual governance of the Church awaits the new Pope. Meanwhile, its temporal governance rests with the Camerlengo.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, born in Dublin and later a naturalised American citizen, fulfils this vital role. His responsibility is to oversee the Vatican’s material goods and safeguard its legal rights.

Assisting him are three cardinals elected during the General Congregations: Cardinal Reinhard Marx, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, and Cardinal Dominique Mamberti. Together, they ensure that while the Church awaits her new shepherd, her worldly affairs are conducted with integrity and order—quiet guardianship behind closed doors.

In their careful stewardship, we see a reflection of the Church’s wisdom: even as she prays for her soul, she tends dutifully to her body.

General Congregations: The Church’s Prayerful Vigil Before the Conclave

Vatican City – 28 April 2025

Since the funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis on 26 April, the College of Cardinals has convened daily in General Congregations—private sessions closed to public view—to reflect on the future of the Church.

The Vatican Press Office reports that more than 180 cardinals have arrived in Rome, with just over 100 eligible to vote. Of the 135 cardinal electors under the age of 80, some will not be participating: Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera, citing health reasons, and Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, who has voluntarily withdrawn amidst past controversies.

The General Congregations have discussed the challenges confronting the Church and the qualities necessary in the man who will bear the Cross of Peter. Meanwhile, the Sistine Chapel has been sealed to visitors and equipped with countermeasures to safeguard the sacred secrecy of the conclave.

Before the conclave begins, the Mass Pro Eligendo Papa will be celebrated—a plea to the Holy Spirit for guidance. Then, with the words “Extra Omnes,” the doors will be closed, and the silence of discernment will descend.

Conclave to Elect New Pope to Begin on 7 May, Announces Holy See

Vatican City – 28 April 2025

The Holy See Press Office confirmed today that the sacred Conclave to elect the successor of His Holiness Pope Francis will commence on 7 May 2025. The decision was made during the fifth General Congregation of the College of Cardinals, convened this morning within the walls of Vatican City.

As the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica toll in mourning, the Church turns now towards hope: the prayerful task of discerning the 267th Bishop of Rome who will shepherd the 1.4 billion Catholics across the world. In the Sistine Chapel, under the gaze of Michelangelo’s Last Judgement, the cardinal electors will gather—princes of the Church, yet servants above all—to seek not their will, but the will of God.

The days ahead promise to be ones of solemnity, vigilance, and grace.

Holy Qurbono and Incense Prayer for the Soul of Pope Francis at San Gregorio VII, Rome

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Holy Qurbono and Incense Prayer for the Soul of Pope Francis at San Gregorio VII, Rome

Rome – 28 April 2025
In a spirit of deep faith and filial gratitude, a Holy Qurbono and incense prayer for the repose of the soul of His Holiness Pope Francis were offered at the Parish Church of San Gregorio VII, Rome, under the chief celebrancy of His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.

The liturgical service was conducted at the Parrocchia San Gregorio VII, a parish deeply linked to the Church of Rome and to the memory of Pope Saint Gregory VII, the eleventh-century reforming Pontiff. Built between 1960 and 1961 to serve a parish erected by Pope Pius XII in 1952, San Gregorio VII today stands as both a place of worship and a monument to the enduring reforming spirit of the Church.

Since 2012, His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Baselios Cleemis has been the Cardinal Priest of this very Church—a singular bond uniting the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church with the heart of the Roman Church, and with the spiritual lineage of the See of Peter.

The Holy Qurbono was celebrated in profound reverence, invoking the mercy of the Risen Lord upon the soul of Pope Francis, who guided the Universal Church with simplicity, courage, and unwavering faith. Following the Divine Liturgy, incense was offered in solemn remembrance, rising like silent prayers towards heaven.

The service gathered priests, religious, seminarians, and faithful residing in Rome, many of whom were moved by the deeply Eastern liturgical character of the prayer. It was a testament to the unity of the Catholic Church, wherein the varied rites and traditions converge around the single sacrifice of Christ.

A Church of History, A Church of Communion

The Parish of San Gregorio VII carries a distinguished legacy. It was declared a Titular Church in 1969 and has hosted the visits of Popes, notably Saint John Paul II in 1986. Since 2015, it has been entrusted to the pastoral care of the Franciscan Friars Minor of the Umbrian Province of St. Francis.

The parish’s architecture itself, with its soaring concrete piers and luminous walls of glass, speaks of a Church whose foundations are strong yet whose soul remains open to the light of the Spirit.

Cardinal Cleemis’ connection to San Gregorio VII thus imbued the liturgy with a particularly intimate significance: a son of the Eastern Church offering prayers in the heart of the Latin Church, for a Pontiff who sought throughout his life to heal divisions and renew the Church’s witness before the world.

Prayer for a Faithful Servant

In the Holy Qurbono and incense prayers, the faithful gathered not only to mourn the passing of Pope Francis but also to offer thanks for his life—a life spent building bridges, defending the poor, and calling the Church to the peripheries.

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, in union with the whole Church universal, now lifts its prayers that the soul of Pope Francis may be welcomed into the eternal embrace of the Father, and that his example may continue to inspire those who walk the path of faith.

“Let the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace and rise in glory.”

Conclave to Elect New Pope to Begin on May 7, Announces Holy See

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Conclave to Elect New Pope to Begin on May 7, Announces Holy See

Vatican City – 28 April 2025

The Holy See Press Office has announced that the Conclave to elect the successor of His Holiness Pope Francis will commence on 7 May 2025. The decision was reached during the fifth General Congregation of the College of Cardinals, convened this Monday morning inside Vatican City.

As the bells of St. Peter’s continue to toll in mourning, the Church now turns toward hope: to the sacred task of discerning, through human hands and hearts, the 267th Bishop of Rome who will shepherd 1.4 billion Catholics across the world.

In the quiet solemnity of the Sistine Chapel, beneath the frescoed splendour of Michelangelo’s Last Judgement, the cardinal electors will gather—those princes of the Church who are yet first and foremost servants—to seek not their will, but the will of God.

The Road to the Conclave: Prayerful Preparation

Since the funeral of Pope Francis on 26 April, the College of Cardinals has met daily in General Congregations—private sessions closed to the public—to discuss the future of the Church, the challenges it faces, and the qualities needed in the new Pontiff.

According to the Vatican Press Office, more than 180 cardinals have already arrived in Rome. Of these, just over 100 are eligible electors, meaning they are under the canonical voting age of 80 years. In total, 135 cardinal electors were eligible at the time of Pope Francis’ death, though not all will participate: Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera, former Archbishop of Valencia, has excused himself from the conclave due to health reasons. Similarly, Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, embroiled in past controversy, has voluntarily withdrawn from the conclave.

It is not yet certain precisely how many electors will enter the Sistine Chapel on May 7, but preparations are well underway. The chapel, rich with the sacred art of the Renaissance, has been closed to visitors. Technological countermeasures have been installed to preserve the profound secrecy demanded by the process.

Before entering the conclave, the cardinal electors will participate in the Mass Pro Eligendo Papa—the Mass for the Election of a Pope—calling upon the Holy Spirit for wisdom and unity. Then, under the proclamation “Extra Omnes” (“All outside, leave”), the doors will be sealed, and the world will be left to wait and pray.

During the sede vacante—the period when the Apostolic See is vacant—the temporal governance of the Church rests with the Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, a Dublin-born cleric who became a naturalised American citizen. His task is not to govern spiritually, but to oversee the administration of the Vatican’s material goods and safeguard its legal rights until the new Pope is elected. To assist him in these delicate duties, the cardinals have elected three colleagues: Cardinal Reinhard Marx, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, and Cardinal Dominique Mamberti. Together, they form a commission responsible for ensuring the smooth temporal functioning of the Apostolic See in these days of prayerful expectation. Their work, though often unseen, is vital—preserving the integrity of the Church’s operations while the world prays for its new shepherd.

Who May Elect: The College of Cardinals

Only cardinals under the age of 80 may vote. Out of the current electors, nearly four out of five were appointed by Pope Francis himself—a testament to his global vision and missionary emphasis during his twelve-year pontificate.

Indeed, this conclave will be one of the most diverse in the Church’s history. Many of the cardinals hail from countries that had never before been represented in the College—Mongolia, Laos, Papua New Guinea, Mali, and others. The Global South, once a periphery, now finds greater voice within the heart of the Church.

This breadth of experience and perspective reflects the true catholicity—the universality—of the Body of Christ.

The Conclave Process: Rituals of Listening and Discernment

The process follows a strict rhythm rooted in ancient tradition, codified most recently in Universi Dominici Gregis by Pope St. John Paul II and amended slightly by Pope Benedict XVI.

Each day, two rounds of voting will be held, morning and evening. In each round:

  • Every cardinal inscribes his chosen name on a ballot marked with the solemn Latin phrase Eligo in Summum Pontificem—”I elect as Supreme Pontiff…”
  • Ballots are collected, counted, and scrutinised.
  • If no candidate attains the required two-thirds majority, the ballots are burned with chemicals that produce black smoke—fumata nera—signalling to the waiting world that the choice is still unsettled.
  • Once a candidate is elected with the requisite majority, white smoke—fumata bianca—will rise joyously over St. Peter’s Square.

Thereafter, the new Pope will don the white cassock, receive the Ring of the Fisherman, and step onto the Loggia of Blessings, offering his first Urbi et Orbi blessing—“to the City and to the World”—under the red drapery of the Apostolic Palace.

The Weight of Discernment: Not a Matter of Politics

Though the media often frames the conclave in political terms—liberal versus conservative, European versus non-European—the Church’s view is vastly different.

The cardinals are not electing a politician.
They are discerning a father:
— A man of profound prayer,
— A man with the heart of a shepherd,
— A man who will bind the Church’s wounds, confront the tides of history, and stand humbly yet fearlessly before God and the world.

This choice must be made not according to the preferences of the age, but according to the whisperings of the Spirit.

The world seeks efficiency; the Church seeks sanctity.

The world seeks charisma; the Church seeks communion.

It is for this reason that every conclave is bathed in prayer—not only by the cardinals but by the entire People of God.

The Holy Spirit Guides, But Men Must Listen

History offers both reassurance and sobering reminders.

Some popes have been elected swiftly—Pope Benedict XVI, within two days; Pope Francis, after five ballots. Others have seen the conclave stretch on for weeks, even months.

But in every case, the conclave becomes a mirror of the Church itself: fragile, fallible, yet entrusted to a grace greater than itself.

There is no infallibility in the election itself, only in the promises of Christ to His Church:
“You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)

An Ending and a Beginning

The conclave marks both an ending and a beginning.

It closes the chapter of Pope Francis—a Pontiff who chose the margins, who carried the wounded upon his shoulders, who entrusted the Church ever more boldly to the care of the poor and the Spirit.

And it opens the next page, still unwritten, awaiting the hand of God.

Who will step onto the balcony?
Who will bear the Cross of Peter across the seas and deserts of the modern world?

We do not know.
But we do know this: that the Church, in her deepest moments of need, does not lose herself in confusion.
She falls to her knees.

The whole world is invited to do likewise in the coming days—praying not for a perfect man, but for a holy one.

Come, Holy Spirit. Fill the hearts of your faithful. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Re-consecration of St. Mary’s Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, Parakode, in Adoor Ecclesiastical District

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Re-consecration of St. Mary’s Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, Parakode, in Adoor Ecclesiastical District

Parakode, Adoor – 27 April 2025
In a spirit of deep joy and gratitude, the re-consecration of the St. Mary’s Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, Parakode, was solemnly celebrated on 27 April 2025, at 3:00 PM, under the chief celebrancy of His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Mathews Mor Polycarpos, Auxiliary Bishop of the Major Archieparchy of Trivandrum.

Dedicated to the Most Holy Mother of God, who remains the spiritual patroness of the Parakode region, the Church has been renewed and beautified for the greater glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful.

The re-consecration ceremony was conducted with profound liturgical solemnity, following the rich traditions of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, and was attended by clergy, religious, and laity from across the Adoor Ecclesiastical District.

The faithful gathered with devotion to witness this sacred moment, giving thanks for the blessings that have adorned their community and rededicating themselves to a life of prayer, charity, and fidelity to the Church.

“Blessed are those who dwell in Your house, ever singing Your praise.” (Psalm 84:4)

Malankara Catholic Church Participates in FIAT Mission Grand Gathering 2025 at Chethipuzha

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Malankara Catholic Church Participates in FIAT Mission Grand Gathering 2025 at Chethipuzha

Chethipuzha, Changanassery – April 27 to May 4, 2025
The FIAT Mission Grand Gathering (GGM) 2025 was solemnly inaugurated at Chethipuzha, Changanassery, on 27 April 2025, bringing together missionaries from across India for a week of fellowship, dialogue, and renewal in the spirit of the missionary mandate.

Crossing the boundaries of traditions, languages, and cultures, the Grand Gathering serves as a vibrant forum for encounter, testimony, and the strengthening of missionary zeal.

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, through the Eparchy of Gurgaon-Delhi, is joyfully participating in this national missionary exhibition. As part of the exhibition, a dedicated stall representing the Malankara Mar Ivanios Mission was officially inaugurated by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mor Anthonios O.I.C., Bishop of the Eparchy of St. John Chrysostom, Gurgaon-Delhi.

Mission Coordinator Rev. Fr. Sam Pathackal, along with Mr. Biju George, Ms. Jancy, Ms. Anu, Mr. Leo Biju, Sr. Nimya Rose D.M., and deacons Sangeeth Mulamoottil and Anso M, led the Church’s missionary presence at the exhibition, welcoming visitors and presenting the missionary spirit of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.

On 30 April 2025, the Holy Qurbono according to the Malankara Rite will be celebrated at 9:00 AM, offering a powerful witness to the Church’s living tradition and vibrant liturgical life amidst the gathering of missionary communities.

The FIAT Mission Exhibition features numerous stalls from various missionary organisations and regions across India, showcasing the richness and diversity of the Catholic Church’s evangelising mission.

Through its active participation, the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church once again bears witness to the enduring vision of Venerable Archbishop Mar Ivanios: to bring the light of the Gospel to all peoples, strengthened by the deep roots of tradition and the call to ever-renewed missionary outreach.

First Mumbai-born Priest Ordained for the Eparchy of St Ephrem – Khadki – Pune

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First Mumbai-born Priest Ordained for the Eparchy of St Ephrem – Khadki – Pune

Mulund, Mumbai – 26 April 2025
In a moment of quiet thanksgiving and ecclesial joy, Dn. Jerry Joseph, a beloved son of the Holy Family Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, Vikhroli, was ordained to the sacred priesthood on 26 April 2025 at St. Pius X Church, Mulund.

The ordination was conferred by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Mathews Mor Pachomios, Eparch of St Ephrem – Khadki – Pune, amidst a deeply prayerful assembly of clergy, religious, and laity from Mumbai, Pune, Gurgaon, Kerala, and beyond.

This ordination holds special significance as Fr. Jerry Joseph becomes the first priest born and brought up in Mumbai to be ordained for the Eparchy of St Ephrem – Khadki – Pune, a sign of the steady flowering of vocations among the Syro-Malankara Catholic faithful in Western India.

The day bore the added weight of sacred mourning as the Universal Church bade farewell to His Holiness Pope Francis. Reflecting this solemnity, no celebratory festivities were held. Special prayers for the repose of the Holy Father were offered during the liturgy, and a poignant moment of silence was observed, uniting the gathering in the larger grief of the Church.

The generosity and gracious hospitality extended by Fr. George Athaide, Parish Priest of St. Pius X Church, shone brightly. The church premises were made available from morning till afternoon to accommodate the ordination and the prayerful gatherings that followed, a gesture of Christian fraternity that touched every heart.

Priests and religious sisters from Syro-Malankara communities across Mumbai, Pune, Gurgaon, and Kerala joined the faithful for the ordination liturgy. His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mor Anthonios OIC, Bishop of the Gurgaon Eparchy, concelebrated the Holy Qurbono alongside the newly ordained priest, marking the unity and strength of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.

The following day, 27 April 2025, Fr. Jerry Joseph offered his First Holy Qurbono at his home parish, the Holy Family Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, Vikhroli, where the faithful, with hearts full of gratitude, witnessed the fulfilment of long-cherished prayers.

The ordination of Fr. Jerry Joseph stands as a radiant milestone for the Eparchy of St Ephrem – Khadki – Pune, a testimony to the silent, steadfast working of God’s grace amidst the faithful in the cities of India.

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” (John 15:16)

Pope Francis is Laid to Rest at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major

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Pope Francis is Laid to Rest at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major

Rome – 26 April 2025

Under a sky brushed by the quiet sorrow of a mourning Church, the mortal remains of His Holiness Pope Francis were laid to rest in the embrace of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. A day steeped in reverence, prayer, and memory unfolded as hundreds of thousands gathered to offer their last farewell to a shepherd who had walked humbly with the People of God.

The Funeral Mass was held in St. Peter’s Square, where over 400,000 faithful, bishops, cardinals, and heads of state stood in solemn communion. His Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, presided over the Holy Eucharist, his voice weaving through the crowds like a steady thread of hope and remembrance. In the simplicity of the ritual and the grandeur of the gathered Church, the spirit of Pope Francis’s life was laid bare: one marked by mercy, humility, and a fervent love for Christ.

The Final Liturgy Offered at St. Peter’s Square

At ten o’clock in the morning, under the open skies of Rome, the simple wooden coffin of Pope Francis emerged from the great doors of St. Peter’s Basilica. Marked only by a cross, it bore witness to the profound humility that had defined his pontificate. As it was carried to the centre of the Square, the gathered multitude broke into a gentle, sustained applause, not in triumph, but in thanksgiving.

Cardinal Re’s homily drew upon the Gospel reading in which the Risen Christ asked Peter, “Do you love me?” With words laden with tenderness, he spoke of Pope Francis’s faithful echo of that ancient reply: “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” He recalled a life poured out in service, a pontificate rooted not in dominion but in discipleship. From his earliest days to his final Easter blessing, Pope Francis bore the Cross with the serene joy that springs from faith.

Scripture passages from Acts, Philippians, Psalm 22, and the Gospel of John enfolded the funeral in sacred memory, reminding the Church of the path Pope Francis had trodden: that of the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep.

The Funeral Procession Winding Through the Heart of Rome

Following the Mass, the funeral procession began. In a gesture deeply evocative of early Christian funerals, Pope Francis’s coffin was carried across the Eternal City — past the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Piazza Venezia. The popemobile moved slowly, accompanied by the silent prayers of over 150,000 people who lined the streets.

The crowd offered farewells that were tender rather than grand: whispered prayers, hands over hearts, soft chants of “Viva il Papa!” Colourful balloons bearing the Holy Father’s image floated over the city’s ancient skyline, a humble tribute to the Pope who had given the world not monuments, but mercy.

The Final Resting Place at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major

At approximately one o’clock in the afternoon, the procession arrived at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Marian sanctuary Pope Francis had visited more than one hundred times during his pontificate. As the coffin was raised before the Basilica’s doors, it was turned towards the venerated icon of Maria Salus Populi Romani, fulfilling the Pope’s final earthly wish: to gaze once more upon the Mother of God.

Within the Basilica, the Rite of Burial was conducted in private, presided over by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church. The prayers of commendation were offered; the coffin was sprinkled with holy water; and the Marian antiphon, Regina Caeli, was sung with voices trembling in their affection.

The simple tomb, located between the Pauline and Sforza Chapels, bears but a single word: Franciscus. No dates, no titles — only the name he chose to embody: the name of the poor man of Assisi.

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church Joins in the Final Farewell

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, rooted in the ancient tradition of the West Syriac Rite, stood united with the Universal Church in mourning the passing of the Holy Father. His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, was present at the Funeral Mass, representing the communion of East and West that Pope Francis so deeply cherished.

Cardinal Cleemis, along with several Syro-Malankara priests, religious Sisters, and faithful who had travelled to Rome, participated with profound devotion in the sacred rites. Together with other Eastern Catholic patriarchs and major archbishops, His Beatitude approached the late Pontiff’s coffin and joined in chanting the ancient hymn “Christos Anesti” — “Christ is Risen” — in Greek. This solemn hymn, echoing the hope of the Resurrection, proclaimed the unity of the Church beyond all rites and tongues.

Back home in Kerala, at St. Mary’s Major Archbishop’s Cathedral, Pattom, the Syro-Malankara Church gathered in prayer, incense rising like a silent song to heaven. In the sacred presence of Cardinal Cleemis, and joined by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Mathews Mor Polycarpos and His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Mathews Mor Pachomios, priests, Sisters, and lay faithful lifted their hearts in solemn remembrance, offering Holy Qurbono and the incense prayer for the repose of the Pope’s soul.

In these acts, quiet yet profound, the Syro-Malankara Church bore faithful witness to the bond that ties the See of Peter to the Churches of the East: a bond of prayer, fidelity, and love.

A Pope Remembered for Mercy and Simplicity

Throughout his twelve-year pontificate, Pope Francis became a living icon of Christ’s mercy. His journeys to the peripheries — from the refugees of Lesbos to the war-scarred plains of Iraq — bore witness to a heart that beat for the broken and the forgotten. His first journey as Pope to the migrants of Lampedusa and his last great pilgrimage to Asia-Oceania traced the arc of a shepherd who never ceased to seek the lost.

He opened the Jubilee of Mercy, proclaimed the Gospel of joy, and reminded the Church that she must be a field hospital, tending to the wounds of humanity. His words were simple yet radiant with Gospel power. His acts of kindness, often unseen, were the seeds of a hidden greatness.

He lived and died with the Beatitudes inscribed upon his heart.

The Church Enters the Days of the Novemdiales

Now, as tradition dictates, the Church enters the sacred period of the Novemdiales: nine days of mourning and prayer for the repose of the Pope’s soul. Each day, a cardinal will preside over a Requiem Mass, leading the Church in her ancient act of love for her departed shepherd.

As incense rises daily before the Altar of the Confession, so too does the silent prayer of the faithful across continents. In every Holy Qurbono offered in the Syro-Malankara Church, in every whispered “Our Father,” and in every tearful Ave Maria, the memory of Pope Francis shall live.

In Gratitude and in Hope

The memory of Pope Francis is not engraved merely in stone, but in the hearts of those he touched: the poor, the prisoner, the refugee, the unborn, the aged, the wounded in spirit.

He leaves behind no monuments of earthly grandeur, but the living memory of a Church called anew to mercy, joy, and simplicity.

And so we, the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, in communion with the Universal Church, pray with hearts uplifted in hope:

“Dear Pope Francis, you asked us never to forget to pray for you. We now entrust you to the mercy you preached and lived. Bless the Church, bless Rome, bless the world from the eternal embrace of the Risen Christ.”

Franciscus, rest now in the peace of the Good Shepherd whom you loved unto the end.

Priestly Ordinations Celebrated in the Diocese of Marthandam

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Priestly Ordinations Celebrated in the Diocese of Marthandam

Mariagiri, Tamil Nadu – 26 April 2025
Amidst a day filled with profound emotion for the Universal Church, as the funeral rites of His Holiness Pope Francis were held in Rome, the Diocese of Marthandam witnessed the quiet and prayerful ordination of eight deacons to the sacred priesthood.

The priestly ordination ceremony took place at Our Lady of Assumption Malankara Catholic Church, Mariagiri (MCC Campus), at 3:45 PM, under the chief celebrancy of His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Vincent Mor Paulos, Bishop of the Diocese of Marthandam.

In solidarity with the mourning Church, the day’s events were observed without any external celebrations. The spirit of the ordination was one of deep prayer, reverence, and silent thanksgiving, uniting the new priests, their families, and the faithful in prayer for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis, even as they gave thanks for the gift of new shepherds to the Church.

The following deacons were ordained to the holy priesthood:

  • Dn. Paulson (St. Joseph’s Malankara Syrian Catholic Church)
  • Dn. Rejin Raj (St. Mary’s Malankara Syrian Catholic Church)
  • Dn. Sabin (St. Jude’s Malankara Syrian Catholic Church)
  • Dn. Ajin Alocious (Our Lady of Assumption Malankara Syrian Catholic Church)
  • Dn. Jerome Godwin (Our Lady of Assumption Malankara Syrian Catholic Church)
  • Dn. Ivin Anto (St. Joseph’s Malankara Syrian Catholic Church)
  • Dn. Maria Poppul Revin (St. Jude’s Malankara Syrian Catholic Church)
  • Dn. Robin (Holy Family Malankara Syrian Catholic Church)

The ordination ceremony unfolded in solemn dignity, bearing witness to the Church’s enduring faith and her tireless mission to raise shepherds after the Heart of Christ. The newly ordained priests now step forth into the vineyard of the Lord, committed to a life of prayer, sacramental service, and pastoral charity.

The Diocese of Marthandam, joining with the entire Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, offers prayers that these new priests may serve faithfully, with hearts aflame for Christ and His Church, and that they may continue to embody the Gospel in every word, action, and silent sacrifice.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5)

Syro-Malankara Catholic Church Offers Solemn Tribute at the Funeral of Pope Francis

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Syro-Malankara Catholic Church Offers Solemn Tribute at the Funeral of Pope Francis

Vatican City – 26 April 2025

In the sacred stillness of St. Peter’s Basilica, as the Church universal gathered to bid farewell to His Holiness Pope Francis, the presence of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church was a living testament to the rich tapestry of communion that the late Holy Father had so tenderly fostered.

Amid the mourning cardinals, bishops, and faithful from every corner of the world, His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, stood in solemn prayer beside the coffin of the Pontiff who had embraced the East and the West alike with a shepherd’s heart.

In a moment that will remain etched into the memory of the faithful, Cardinal Cleemis joined the Eastern Catholic patriarchs, major archbishops, and metropolitans in approaching the simple wooden coffin of Pope Francis to offer an ancient and profound tribute — the chanting of the Greek hymn Christos Anesti, “Christ is Risen.”

The hymn, rooted in the Paschal tradition of the early Church, proclaimed in the ancient tongue:
“Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death.”

This act of faith, offered within the very heart of the Church at St. Peter’s Basilica, echoed with a resonance that transcended centuries and continents. It was not merely a hymn; it was a declaration — that even in sorrow, the Church sings of Resurrection.

The presence of His Eminent Beatitude was not solitary. Accompanying him were several Syro-Malankara Catholic priests, religious Sisters, and faithful who had journeyed to Rome to stand with the Church at this sacred hour. In prayer, chant, and silent witness, they carried the beating heart of the Malankara Church into the universal mourning, affirming the unity Pope Francis had laboured to build across rites and nations.

Back in Kerala, the motherland of the Syro-Malankara Church, incense rose from St. Mary’s Major Archbishop’s Cathedral, Pattom, in solemn prayer. The sacred presence of Cardinal Cleemis, joined by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Mathews Mor Polycarpos, Auxiliary Bishop of the Major Archieparchy of Trivandrum, and His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Mathews Mor Pachomios, Bishop of the Eparchy of St. Ephrem – Khadki – Pune, gave profound expression to the communion of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church with the See of Peter.

Priests, religious Sisters, seminarians, and faithful of all ages gathered within the hallowed walls of Pattom Cathedral, offering Holy Qurbono and the incense prayer for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. The simple cut-out of the Holy Father placed outside the iconostasis spoke volumes — a gentle image of the shepherd whose voice had reached even the farthest peripheries.

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church’s participation in Rome and Kerala was more than ceremonial. It was an act of love, an act of fidelity, an act of communion. It was a living witness to the Church that Pope Francis had described — a Church that bends down to wash feet, that crosses oceans to embrace the abandoned, that sings Christos Anesti even through tears.

In these gestures, the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church offered not only its prayers but its heart — a heart beating in rhythm with the sorrow and hope of the entire Catholic world.

As Pope Francis now rests under the gaze of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the Syro-Malankara Church remains united in prayer, gratitude, and fidelity. With the Church universal, we lift our eyes to heaven and pray:

“Dear Holy Father, pray for us. Bless the Church. Bless Rome. Bless the world you loved so well.”

In these acts, quiet yet profound, the Syro-Malankara Church bore faithful witness to the bond that ties the See of Peter to the Churches of the East: a bond of prayer, fidelity, and love.

Memorial Service in Tiruvalla in Honour of Pope Francis

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Memorial Service in Tiruvalla in Honour of Pope Francis

Tiruvalla – 25 April 2025
In a profound gesture of respect and fraternity, a memorial service in honour of the late Pope Francis was organised under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Tiruvalla and the Tiruvalla Citizens’ Forum on 25 April 2025.

The memorial proceedings commenced with a silent march, beginning from the S.C.S. Campus of the Mar Thoma Church. The march was inaugurated with an introductory address by His Grace Theodosios Mar Thoma Metropolitan. The procession, marked by prayerful silence and reflection, concluded at the St. John’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Tiruvalla.

Following the procession, a memorial meeting was held at the cathedral under the presidency of His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mor Koorilos, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archieparchy of Tiruvalla.

Prominent leaders across ecclesial and civic spheres addressed the gathering, including:

  • His Grace Thomas Samuel Thirumeni of the C.S.I. Church,
  • His Grace Geevarghese Mar Aprem (Malankara Church),
  • Adv. Mathew T. Thomas, M.L.A.,
  • Swami Nirvritananda,
  • Imam Hafiz Muhammad Irfan Baqavi,
  • Adv. Biju Oommen, General Secretary of the Orthodox Church Association,
  • and Mrs. Anu George, Chairperson of the Tiruvalla Municipal Council.

The arrangements for the memorial were coordinated by Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Isaac Parappallil, Chief Vicar General; Fr. Mathew Punakulam, Vicar of the Cathedral; Fr. Cherian Kurisummoottil; Mr. Biju Palathingal; and Mr. Cyriac V. John.

The memorial was a poignant expression of gratitude, unity, and respect across denominations and faiths—truly reflecting the spirit of Pope Francis, who embraced dialogue, compassion, and service as hallmarks of his pontificate.

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