Vatican City: The first international youth leadership meeting of the youth of Syro-Malabar Church  has begun in Rome yesterday. Eight bishops, including two cardinals and 70 youth ministers from 5 countries are attending the event.

The six-day event is titled 'Arise 2022'. The meeting is co - hosted by the Syro - Malabar Dioceses of Chicago in the United States, Mississauga in Canada, Melbourne in Australia and Great Britain in the UK, and the Syro - Malabar Apostolic Visitation in Europe.

The meeting, being held at the 'Maria Mather' Pontifical College in Rome, will last until June 22. The biggest highlight is that Pope Francis will attend the summit at 12 noon Vatican time today, 18th June.

Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, President of the Vatican Office for the Eastern Churches, is the chief guest. Syro Malabar Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar George Alencherry, Chicago Syro Malabar Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiyath, Auxiliary Bishop Mar Joy Alappat, Syro-Malabar Bishop of Mississauga Mar Jose Kalluvelil, Syro-Malabar Bishop of Melbourne Mar Bosco Puthur, Syro-Malabar Bishop of Great Britain Mar Joseph Srampikal and Syro-Malabar Apostolic Visitor Bishop of Europe Mar Stephen Chirappanath are attending the summit.

There are 15 participants from the US, 15 from Canada, 16 from Melbourne, 10 from the UK and 19 from other European countries. Delegates are selected by the respective Dioceses from among those who have served as national leaders in the youth ministry.

Chicago Syro Malabar Diocese Youth Director Fr. Paul Chalissery, Fr. Binoj Mulavarickal (Europe), Fr. Fanswa Pathil (Great Britain), Sojin Sebastian (Youth Director, Melbourne) Fr. Joice Kolamkuzhiyil CMI (Spiritual Director, Melbourne), Fr. George Joseph (Mississauga), Fr. Kevin Mundakkal (Assistant Youth Director, Chicago) are the members of core team of the Syro-Malabar Combined Mission, which is leading the gathering.