Media Release

Vatican City, May 22: A delegation from the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on May 19, extending fraternal greetings and prayerful wishes from His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan.

The delegation comprised His Eminence Zachariah Mar Nicholovos, diocesan metropolitan of the Northeast American Diocese; His Eminence Abraham Mar Stephanos, diocesan metropolitan of the UK, Europe & Africa Diocese; and Fr Aswin Zefrin Fernandis, secretary of the Department of Ecumenical and Inter-Church Relations.

The meeting took place as part of a broader ecumenical and interreligious gathering held in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace. Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed his commitment to dialogue and unity among Christian denominations and other faith traditions. He emphasised the importance of building bridges and fostering mutual understanding, continuing the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis.

The Malankara Orthodox delegation had also participated in the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV held on May 18 at St Peter’s Square. The event, attended by over 200,000 pilgrims, included leaders from various Christian denominations and other religions, marking a significant moment of unity and shared commitment to peace and reconciliation.

As a token of fraternal love from the Malankara Church, the delegation presented the new Pontiff with a hand-carved sandalwood cross embedded with stones, crafted by skilled wood artisans from Udupi and Mangaluru.