Pope John Paul II Upholds Equal Status for Syro-Malankara and Other Catholic Rites in India

New Delhi, July 14, 1987 – In a historic move, Pope John Paul II has issued a declaration affirming equal rights and status to the Syro-Malankara, Syro-Malabar, and Latin rites of the St. Thomas Christians, a community tracing its roots back to the apostolic times. This decision underscores the church’s commitment to the principle of ‘unity in diversity’ within the Catholic communion.

In a direct communication with the Catholic bishops across India, the Holy Father has mandated prompt action to establish a new diocese for the St. Thomas Christians in the Bombay-Pune region. This initiative is aimed at addressing the pastoral care and ecclesiastical governance of the migrant St. Thomas Christians residing in major urban centers across India.

Furthermore, Pope John Paul II has called for the creation of a new ecclesiastical hierarchy for the St. Thomas Christians who are living in dioceses traditionally administered by the Latin Church. This new structure is to be implemented with urgency to ensure that the unique liturgical and spiritual heritage of these communities is preserved and promoted.

The Pope has outlined that the Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara rites, alongside the Latin rite, should organize separate and autonomous Bishops’ conferences. This move is envisioned to empower each rite to deliberate and make decisions on matters pertaining to their distinct traditions and administrative needs.

This landmark decision came after careful consideration of the findings from a commission the Pope established last year. The commission was tasked with studying the various challenges faced by migrant Catholic communities and the distinct Indian rites. The outcomes of the study have been instrumental in shaping the Vatican’s approach to nurturing the faith and identity of the Indian rites within the universal church.

The reaffirmation of equal status is celebrated by the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church as a step towards greater recognition and respect for the diversity that enriches the Catholic faith. The church looks forward to the fruitful realization of the Pope’s directives, confident that these developments will lead to a more vibrant and spiritually fulfilling life for the St. Thomas Christians across India and the globe.

Copyright: The Indian Express, Printed on July 15, 1987