Pope Francis has appointed Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil of the Syro-Malabar Church as a member of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches.

In addition to Mar Raphael Thattil, nine other bishops from various parts of the world have been appointed as members of this Dicastery. This office assists Pope in making decisions regarding matters related to the sui iuris Eastern Churches within the Catholic Church.

Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti is the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches. This appointment given to the Major Archbishop is seen as a sign of Pope Francis' care for the Syro-Malabar Church and recognition of its importance within the global Church, said Fr. Dr. Antony Vadakkekara VC, the PRO and Media Commission Secretary of the Syro-Malabar Church.