Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Meets Pope Francis in Rome

In an ecclesiastical event, Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, the head of the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, visited His Holiness Pope Francis in Rome on the 9th of April, 2024. The visit coincided with the centennial celebration of the Bethany Sisters’ Congregation, marking a historic moment in the life of the Church.

Accompanied by Mother General Sister Ardra S.I.C, Mother Provincials, and other sisters from the congregation, Cardinal Cleemis had a fruitful exchange with Pope Francis, reinforcing the strong bonds between the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church and the Vatican. The visit underscored the shared commitment to faith and service that defines both communities.

On the 11th of April, in the venerable setting of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, Cardinal Cleemis led the Holy Mass, assisted by a contingent of priests from the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church. This liturgical celebration was a profound expression of unity and spiritual solidarity with the Universal Church.

Following the Mass, a general assembly was held at the Generalate House of the Society of Jesus in Rome. This meeting provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions on matters of mutual interest and for planning future collaborative initiatives that will benefit the faithful across the world.

This visit not only commemorates a milestone anniversary for the Bethany Sisters’ Congregation but also strengthens the theological and pastoral ties between the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church and the broader Catholic community. The events in Rome have been a source of inspiration and encouragement for the Church members, fostering a deeper sense of communion and purpose among the global Catholic diaspora.