Pope had a special relationship with Syro-Malabar Church, says Major Archbishop
Archbishop Thattil told mediapersons here that the Pope entrusted the Syro-Malabar Church with the great responsibility for pastoral care. The Pope took note of the large number of immigrant Syro-Malabar Christians and supported the pastoral care extended to them by the Church in different parts of the world.
His special relationship with the approximately five million-strong Syro-Malabar Church is evident from his close involvement with the Church, especially after discontent over adoption of a common Mass liturgy broke out into the public sphere.
Unified Mass row
While the Pope kept abreast of the developments, his involvement was evident from his video message in early December 2023 in which he appealed to the priests, religious and the lay faithful in the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese to sink differences, to obey the decision of the synod, and to build bridges and unity. He also warned as a father, of disciplinary action against disobedience, which would be resorted to with great pain. The Pope had appealed to the group in the archdiocese opposed to the synod decision for the unified Mass to adopt it by Christmas 2023 as one body of the Church. Act as one Church and not as a faction, the Pope had said.
The Pope recognised and repeatedly emphasised the unique heritage, tradition of faith and the great role of the Syro-Malabar Church in the body of the universal Church. His elevation of George Koovakkad, Catholic priest of the Syro-Malabar Church, as Cardinal is a sign of the special status accorded to the Syro-Malabar Church. He was the first priest from India to have been raised to a Cardinal.
Senior priest Kuriakose Mundadan, who has stood firm in demanding that the synod Mass be rejected, said the Pope may have been misled on the affairs of the Syro-Malabar Church when he appealed for adoption of the synod Mass. He also said that Pope Francis did not exclude anybody but was inclusive in his approach.
'Solace to refugees'
Archbishop Joseph Pamplany, vicar of the major archbishop for the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, said that the Pope held fast to his view that the Church should be for the poor. He was a solace to millions of refugees all over the world.
Former Major Archbishop Cardinal George Alencherry said that the world will remember Pope Francis as the Pope of Mercy. He never kept anybody away and mercy was the face of his mission as the head of the Church.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
12 hours ago
- The Hindu
‘Bishops failed Catholic community in refusing to hear it before making political decisions'
Few voices within the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church have been as candid and willing to challenge its hierarchy as Fr. Paul Thelakat's. The former spokesperson of the Church in Kerala is known for his deep theological insights and fearless critique of power centres. In a conversation with The Hindu, Fr. Thelakat reflects on the rise of communal narratives within sections of the clergy, the socio-economic shifts reshaping the Syrian Christian community, and the attacks on Christians in north and central Indian States. You have previously criticised the Catholic Church leadership for appearing to be accommodative of Hindutva forces. How do you view your warnings now? The Churches in India must evaluate political parties not according to what they say to the bishops but according to their ideologies and manifestos in relation to the basic humanistic commitments. The International Congress of Hinduism in Delhi in 2014 had publicly announced Christian missionaries as one of its enemies among the 'five malicious groups'. It is true that some leaders of the BJP in Kerala have shown a condescending approach to the Church leaders, but no leader stated anything with regard to a change in their ideology. Do you think there is an attempt to destroy the communal amity in Kerala? Has the Church leadership also been a party to it? There exists a secular culture in Kerala which recognises Muslims and Christians as equal citizens with respect and honour. The Hindus in Kerala are very democratic and respect secular values. Unfortunately, some kind of communal spite and even hate is being propagated, especially against the Muslim community. Certain members of the Christian leadership spoke of 'love jihad' and 'narcotic jihad', thereby aligning themselves with communal prejudice. How do you see the attacks on Christians in the North Indian States? The Sangh Parivar organisations are creating fear among minorities in the northern States where any individual or group that falls in the five categories of enemies can be attacked and false accusations and completely wrongful FIRs be lodged against them. Priests and nuns are afraid to travel in their religious attire. Nuns in Kerala and other States have taught millions of students of all religions in private and government-aided schools and colleges. There had been no accusations of conversion. Millions of patients have been nursed by nuns. How do you see Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany's statement expressing gratitude to the BJP after bail was granted to the nuns arrested on human trafficking and forced conversion charges in Chhattisgarh? He had earlier promised votes for the BJP if the price of rubber was raised to a certain level. Was the bishop right in seeking to trade the votes of the faithful? Archbishop Pamplany's statement was unfortunate but he has not in reality betrayed Christ as some others have done for their personal ambitions and institutional interests. Unfortunately, the bishops have failed the Catholic community in refusing to hear it before they make political decisions. It is unfortunate that we have to recognise that there is a communal tendency within the Church, especially among the clergy. There is a suggestion that nuns must eschew their habit when travelling outside. This is to prevent incidents such as what happened in Chhattisgarh? How to dress, what to cook in the kitchen or what to eat are personal matters about which no politics must interfere, but now these are the very things the Hindutva forces impose on all. The pity is that the law-enforcing authorities pretend not to see such incidents. The law is not applied equally to all. Why are some priests and bishops leaning towards the BJP? Are they afraid of action by Central agencies? Their stance reflects George Orwell's notion of 'double speak'. The ED (Enforcement Directorate) has been used for political purposes, as seen in the electoral bonds cases. Is there a division between Christians and Muslims in Kerala? Do you think there are conscious attempts to create such a conflict? It is a sad fact that there was an orchestrated campaign against the Muslim community with such a hate propaganda, and some bishops and priests joined it consciously or unconsciously. Traditionally, Syrian Christians were tied to land and agriculture. The new generation, however, pursued professional careers through education, and shows little interest in land ownership. Many have migrated overseas for work. While Christians sell their land, Muslims, who have both the resources and the population, are buying it. This has created a mimetic rivalry which perhaps underlie the Synod bishops' statement on love jihad. Do you believe the law on religious habits for nuns should be strictly followed? Christians must learn how to live in a culture of hate. In matters of nuns, decisions should be made without outside interference. I regret to note that the male-dominated culture in the Church is also weakening the convents.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
'It would not be America': Martina Navratilova slams Donald Trump for taking over Washington police and deploying troops
Martina Navratilova slams Donald Trump for taking over Washington police and deploying troops (Image via Getty) Martina Navratilova, the famous former tennis player, spoke up on August 14, 2025, on her X account. She shared how upset she was with President Donald J. Trump. Trump had taken over the Washington, D.C. , police force and brought in 800 National Guard troops, saying the move was needed to fight rising violent crime in the city. But crime was actually at a low. Navratilova shared a Rolling Stone report and wrote plainly: 'He would love nothing more than an excuse to open fire on protesters.' She once said, calling out Trump's policy, 'I were now still in that same position and I had to go live somewhere, it would not be America, because it's not a democracy at the moment' Martina Navratilova reacts to Trump's police takeover and protests One of the all-time greats, Martina Navratilova, renounced her former nation and is now a United States citizen. She achieved 18 Grand Slams overall and won her first at Wimbledon in 1978 against Chris Evert. Under Section 740 of the DC Home Rule Act, President Trump signed an executive order on August 11, 2025. He said violent crime was surging and took temporary control of the Metropolitan Police Department. He also sent in 800 National Guard soldiers to the capital. But news outlets like PolitiFact and local officials, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, said crime had actually gone down since 2023. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Get Paid Instantly for Your Car [Sell Now] Cars24 - Sell Your Car Sell Now Undo by Taboola by Taboola Studies found violent crime dropped by about 26–35 per cent in recent years. In response, many residents took to the streets. They called the military move harsh and anti-democratic. Against this backdrop, Navratilova's warning rang out: she said Trump looked for any excuse to silence or harm protesters. Her words echoed the concern many felt. Also Read: 'More than any American Culture': Martina Navratilova once shared how Chris Evert's Catholic upbringing shaped her tennis image Martina Navratilova on moving to the U.S. under Trump's rule Martina Navratilova, who moved to America in 1981, also spoke recently about immigration. In a BBC interview, she said if she had to choose a country to live in today under President Trump, she would not pick the U.S. She said it no longer felt like a democracy. Many people, she pointed out, are deported for not fully supporting Trump's agenda or simply for not 'kissing the ring.' Martina Navratilova said that when she left her home at 18, she did not know if she would ever see her parents again. Now, looking back, she questions whether she could have made that move under Trump's policies. Her words suggest deep concern about where America is heading. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
‘100% I'll get him out': Trump vows to free jailed Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai; Beijing warns against foreign interference
Jimmy Lai (Image: X/@hkdc_us) Days before winning second presidential elections, Donald Trump vowed to secure the release of 77-year-old jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai . Lai is the outspoken founder of the now-closed Apple Daily which is a strong pro-democratic newspaper known for its sharp criticism of China's Communist Party which was later forced to shut down, as reported by CNN. He had spent more than 1600 days in a maximum-security prison, much of it in solitary confinement. Lai is accused of working with foreign forces, a crime under Beijing's 2020 national security law that can lead to life in prison and a separate sedition charge. He has not pleaded guilty to all charges. On Thursday, a Hong Kong court was set to begin closing arguments, but proceedings were delayed due to severe weather. The hearings, expected to span several days, will pave the way for a verdict that could test Trump's ability and willingness to deliver on his October 2024 campaign promise to '100%' secure Lai's release. Trump has indicated he would raise Lai's case directly with Chinese leader Xi Jinping , potentially linking it to ongoing US–China trade negotiations. Lai's aides and supporters say the case has been mentioned informally during recent trade talks. White House officials under Trump have reiterated that securing Lai's release remains a goal. In an October interview, Trump told podcast host Hugh Hewitt that he would '100%' speak to Xi Jinping to secure Lai's release if he won the election. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like She Is One Of The Largest Athletes In The World And She Is Truly Massive Daily Sport X Undo Later, as president, Trump vowed to bring up Lai's case during US trade negotiations with China. '100% I'll get him out. He'll be easy to get out,' he said 'I think talking about Jimmy Lai is a very good idea,' he told Hewitt in a subsequent radio interview in May, just days before officials met in Geneva for the first round of talks. 'We'll put it down, and we'll put it down as part of the negotiation.' Beijing and Hong Kong authorities have condemned foreign involvement in the case, calling it interference in China's internal affairs. Chinese officials have rejected suggestions that the legal proceedings are politically motivated. 'Any attempt by any country, organization, or individual to interfere with the judicial proceedings in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region by means of political power, thereby resulting in a defendant not being able to have a fair trial that one should receive, is a reprehensible act undermining the rule of law of Hong Kong and should be condemned,' the city's Security Bureau said in a statement. Lai, a British national and devout Catholic, is a longtime critic of the Chinese Communist Party and a prominent supporter of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement. His imprisonment has drawn bipartisan support for his release in Washington and public backing from the UK government. 'Jimmy Lai is British, not American. Given the high profile of his case, I doubt that China will be willing to make a deal,' said Yun Sun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center think tank in Washington. Supporters warn his advanced age, diabetes and prolonged solitary confinement threaten his health. Sebastien Lai, son of Jimmy Lai has said that he is hopeful that President Trump will be able to free him. 'We're incredibly grateful that the president knows about my father's case and has said that he will free him,' Sebastien said. 'The president has a tremendous track record in freeing prisoners around the world. So hearing this gives our family a lot of hope.' Paul Harris, former chairman of Hong Kong's Bar Association, said that Lai's presence in Hong Kong does not prevent his release. He explained that under Hong Kong's mini-constitution, known as the Basic Law, the chief executive has both the authority and the responsibility, in certain cases, to pardon convicted prisoners or reduce their sentences. 'So that power is there, and it's a matter for the Chief Executive's decision whether he wants to use it, and one can safely assume that if the President of China wants him to use it, he will use it,' Harris said, referencing Xi.
