Vatican City, 14 May 2025
In one of the earliest and most significant audiences of his pontificate, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV addressed the faithful of the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches gathered in Rome for the Jubilee of Oriental Churches. His words—rich with theological depth, pastoral sensitivity, and heartfelt encouragement—resonate profoundly with the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church and all who cherish the legacy of the Eastern Christian traditions.
A Salutation Rooted in Resurrection
Opening his address with the ancient and jubilant proclamation, “Christ is risen. He is truly risen!”, Pope Leo XIV reminded the faithful that the foundation of Christian hope is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This Easter greeting, never tiring on the lips of Eastern Christians across the globe, encapsulates the very heart of our faith and the wellspring of our hope.
The Pope expressed his joy at dedicating one of the first audiences of his papacy to the Eastern Churches—a family precious in God’s eyes, rich in diversity, history, and faithfulness despite many sufferings.
Cherishing the Spiritual Treasures of the East
Reflecting on the unique spiritual and intellectual riches preserved in Eastern Christianity, Pope Leo XIV reiterated the words of his predecessor, Pope Francis, calling the Eastern Churches “to be cherished and esteemed for the unique spiritual and sapiential traditions that they preserve.”
He recalled the foresight of Pope Leo XIII, who recognized the dignity of the Eastern Churches as the cradle where “the work of human redemption began.” Echoing Saint John Paul II, he affirmed the East’s “unique and privileged role as the original setting where the Church was born.”
The Pope emphasized the enduring beauty of Eastern liturgies, many still celebrated in the language of Christ Himself, underscoring the importance of preserving these rites with integrity and without dilution.
The Challenge of Diaspora and Preservation
In a moving acknowledgment of contemporary trials, Pope Leo XIV spoke to the reality faced by many Eastern Christians forced from their homelands due to war, persecution, and poverty. He highlighted the grave risk not only of losing physical homelands but also the invaluable religious identity and heritage of these ancient Churches—especially poignant for the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, which, while thriving in diaspora, faces the delicate task of maintaining its traditions far from Kerala.
The Pope called upon the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches to define clear guidelines supporting Eastern Catholics in the diaspora. This support, he stressed, must empower faithful preservation of liturgical and spiritual traditions while fostering communion with the wider Church.
The Healing Mystery of Eastern Spirituality
Delving into the essence of Eastern spirituality, Pope Leo XIV described these traditions as “medicinal,” weaving the drama of human misery with the marvel of God’s mercy. He recalled the profound penitential and mystical practices characteristic of the East—constant intercession, fasting, and heartfelt contrition (penthos).
He urged the Eastern faithful to resist the “mentality of consumerism and utilitarianism,” which threatens to erode the depth and integrity of their spiritual heritage.
The Pope’s words call the Syro-Malankara faithful to continue embodying this spirituality, which teaches that sin does not lead to despair but opens the way to divine healing, divinization, and eternal life.
Hope Amidst Suffering: A Song for the Martyr Churches
Addressing the contemporary context of violence and displacement, Pope Leo XIV lamented the bloodshed afflicting regions dear to Eastern Christianity—from the Holy Land to Lebanon, Syria, Ukraine, and the Caucasus. Reaffirming Pope Francis’s description of these communities as “martyr Churches,” he reminded all that amid such darkness, Christ’s words still ring out: “Peace be with you!”
The peace Christ offers, he explained, is not silence born of fear but a living gift of reconciliation, forgiveness, and courageous renewal. The Pope made a heartfelt appeal for peace, inviting all to dialogue and negotiation, insisting that war is never inevitable.
A Universal Call for Peace and Coexistence
Pope Leo XIV declared the Holy See’s readiness to foster peace, emphasising the need for leaders to engage face to face in dialogue and for peoples everywhere to reclaim the dignity of peace.
He praised those who “sow seeds of peace” in silence and prayer and expressed gratitude for Eastern Christians who persevere in their native lands despite enormous pressure to flee.
For the Syro-Malankara faithful dispersed globally, these words ring as both challenge and consolation: to stand firm in faith, culture, and witness amid adversity.
The Eastern Churches as Lights in the World
The Holy Father’s message culminated in an inspiring affirmation: Eastern Christians are “lights in the world,” called to be exemplary in faith, hope, and charity.
He exhorted pastors to foster authentic communion marked by fraternity, transparency, and co-responsibility, rejecting the allure of honours, power, or superficial appearances.
Freedom from Worldly Attachments
In closing, Pope Leo XIV invoked the words of Saint Symeon the New Theologian, cautioning against letting the cares and attachments of this life extinguish the warmth of the heart.
He urged the Eastern Churches, including the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, to remain steadfast in evangelical witness, freed from distractions that diminish communion and obedience.
A Blessing and a Plea
With heartfelt gratitude, the Pope gave his blessing and implored the Eastern faithful to pray fervently for his ministry, entrusting his Petrine service to the intercession of these venerable Churches, who preserve the ancient faith with courage and joy.
Reflection for the Syro-Malankara Church
For our Syro-Malankara Catholic community, Pope Leo XIV’s address is both a solemn call and an uplifting promise. It underscores the importance of our liturgical patrimony, the vitality of our synodal journey, and the necessity of preserving our identity in a world often marked by displacement and challenge.
It is a reminder that while we may be scattered, we are united in the mystery of the Resurrection and the mission of the Church. The Holy Father’s words encourage us to be faithful witnesses of hope, mercy, and unity—anchored always in the One who rose and transformed death into life.
May we carry these words in our hearts as we continue to build the Syro-Malankara Church with integrity, prayerfulness, and the boldness of Easter faith.
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