Archbishop of Varapuzha reminisces Pope Leo XIV's Kerala visits
While in Kerala, he stood out by opting for a simple lifestyle, empathising much with the poor and the marginalised and by his missionary zeal. Hence, I hope his elevation as the Pope will be as successful as that of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025. The Archdiocese of Varapuzha wishes him heartfelt and prayerful regards, the Archbishop told mediapersons here on Friday. As head of the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA), also known as the Augustinian Order, he did commendable mission work, including in Latin America, he said.
He narrated how the new Pope visited Augustinian priests in Kerala and also dedicated priests when Daniel Acharuparambil was the Varapuzha Archbishop in 2004, at St. Francis Church in Kaloor. Furthermore, he visited the archdiocesan headquarters in 2006. Churches under the archdiocese will offer special prayers when he assumes charge as the Pope, the Archbishop said.
On peace
On the mounting threats to peace in many countries, he commemorated late Pope Francis as one who strove for global peace. He directly met global leaders and also communicated with them over phone to end violence. Pope Leo too will hopefully do the same. The ongoing India-Pakistan standoff too can be overcome by persistent efforts and through prayers. Weapons are meant for destruction and hence must give way to peace efforts.
To a question on why late Pope Francis did not visit India, the Archbishop said he was very keen to visit India. But it did not work out. He would have come if he had been welcomed officially, I presume, he added.
In the meantime, Fr. Wilson Injarapu, the Vicar Superior of the Vicariate of India within the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA), told The Hindu that he had met the new Pope in February at a meeting in Rome. Having visited our 'communities' in India and also having stayed at the Provincial House in Aluva more than once, he spoke of the natural beauty that Kerala has and of the congregations, Fr. Injarapu said.
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