Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis in Key Pontifical Council

Pope Benedict XVI has nominated Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church from India in two important panels, including the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, of the Vatican.

Cardinal Cleemis, head of Kerala-based Syro Malankara Catholic Church, was also made a member of the Council for Eastern Congregations which oversees the affairs of those hierarchies in the Catholic-fold that follows eastern traditions including Syro Malankara and Syro Malabar churches. The responsibility of the Oriental Congregation is the pastoral care of the Faithful of the Oriental Churches across the world.

Pope Benedict XVI appointed Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church as the member of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches and Pontifical Council for Inter Religious Dialogue. The responsibility of the Oriental Congregation is the pastoral care of the Faithful of the Oriental Churches across the world belongs to this Congregation.

The Pontifical Council for Inter Religious Dialogue was established in 1964. The responsibility of the Pontifical Council is to foster mutual understanding, respect, strengthen the joint efforts and encourage studying other Churches. The Pontifical council would also promote studies on all other major religions of the world and train churchmen to engage themselves in meaningful dialogue with those following different traditions of faith.

Mar Cleemis, 53, Major Archbishop and Catholicos of SMC, was elevated to the status of Cardinal in November last year.

He is one of the youngest cardinals in the apex body of the Catholic church, entrusted with the power of electing the Pope when a need arises.