Pope Leo XIV calls Syro-Malankara diaspora to safeguard identity, promote traditions, and strengthen faith across Europe and the United States.
Newsroom (15/06/2026 Gaudium Press ) Pope Leo XIV on Monday received a delegation from the Syro-Malankara Church marking its first convention uniting clergy and faithful residing in Europe, delivering a strong appeal to preserve and promote their distinctive identity amid growing diaspora communities.
Addressing bishops and representatives of the Eastern Catholic Church, the Pope emphasized the importance of safeguarding cultural and spiritual heritage, particularly in regions such as Europe and the United States where migrant communities continue to expand. He urged the faithful to “cherish and promote their identity,” warning of the risks of dilution in increasingly globalized environments.
The Syro-Malankara Church traces its roots to the ancient Christian tradition of India, specifically in the state of Kerala. Its origins are linked to the evangelization of Christians by the apostle Saint Thomas in the 1st century—making it one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. In his address, Pope Leo XIV highlighted this historical depth, while praising the Church’s ongoing spiritual renewal as it prepares for its centenary.
He described the Syro-Malankara Church as “a beacon of evangelical energy and apostolic charity,” underscoring its longstanding commitment to promoting social justice, education, and integral human development, particularly among marginalized populations. The Pope noted that the Church’s mission has historically extended beyond ethnic and linguistic boundaries, pointing to its expansion into Tamil Nadu following missionary efforts initiated in 1934.
Central to the Pope’s message was a call for “an urgent commitment” to preserving the “priceless treasures embodied by all the Eastern Churches.” He warned that the pressures of migration and cultural assimilation could erode traditions unless deliberate efforts are made to sustain them across generations.
Pope Leo XIV also drew attention to the growing presence of Syro-Malankara faithful in the United States, echoing concerns previously expressed by his predecessors, Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. He highlighted the need for structured pastoral care to meet the spiritual needs of diaspora communities scattered across continents.
In this context, the Pope addressed Bishop Kuriakose Mar Osthathios, recently appointed Apostolic Visitor for Syro-Malankara faithful in Europe. According to the Pontiff, the bishop’s mission is to assess current pastoral conditions and propose strategies to local bishops and the Holy See to support the spiritual well-being of the faithful.
“He is tasked with evaluating the current situation of pastoral care with a view to formulating proposals for the spiritual good of the faithful,” the Pope said, stressing the importance of coordination between local dioceses and Vatican authorities.
Further underlining the Vatican’s commitment, Pope Leo XIV revealed that he has instructed the Dicastery for the Oriental Churches to study ways of establishing “solid and lasting foundations” for the community. The goal, he explained, is to ensure that future generations can continue deepening their relationship with Christ through their own traditions while contributing to the wider Catholic Church.
The Pope concluded his address with a call for active participation in ecclesial life, encouraging the faithful to embrace and share “the precious identity of the Syro-Malankara Church.” He highlighted the community’s reputation for strong, faith-centered families, noting that such environments have historically fostered numerous vocations to priesthood and religious life.
Offering a final prayer, Pope Leo XIV expressed hope that a “firm faith may continue to flourish” within households, particularly among young people, ensuring the vitality of this ancient Christian tradition in the modern world.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from ACI Prensa
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