A solemn and radiant Divine Liturgy in the East Syriac rite was celebrated at St. Peter’s Basilica as part of the Jubilee of the Eastern Churches, marking a historic encounter with Pope Leo XIV. The liturgy, presided over by Patriarch Louis Raphaël I Sako of the Chaldean Church, brought together pilgrims and ministers from around the world in a rich expression of faith and tradition.
At 1 PM, amid processions from across the globe, a striking group of clergy in golden vestments made their way toward the Altar of the Chair. The celebration, rooted in the East Syriac tradition, featured the Anaphora of Addai and Mari—one of the oldest known Eucharistic prayers—highlighting the common heritage of the Chaldean and Syro-Malabar Churches.
Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil of the Syro-Malabar Church delivered the homily, emphasizing the Jubilee as a sign of living communion and not merely a preservation of history. He called on the faithful to move forward together as a single pilgrim Church, proclaiming hope in a world in need of healing. The Archbishop underlined that the Jubilee is a spiritual convocation, a time to rediscover joy in the Holy Spirit and to bear witness that Christ continues to walk with His Church.
There was a vibrant sense of identity among the faithful, with children wearing rosaries and ancient chants echoing the legacy of Mesopotamian Christianity. Remembering the late Pope Francis as a voice for the marginalized, Archbishop Thattil pointed to Pope Leo XIV’s motto on unity—not as a construct but a divine gift—as a source of inspiration.
Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, spoke at the conclusion of the liturgy. He praised the enduring missionary spirit of the Eastern Churches despite a history of persecution and diaspora. Calling the faithful to continue their mission, he said, “You are the missionaries today. If you lose your traditions, the Church loses an irreplaceable part of itself.”
Encouraging the faithful to embrace their unique identities and cultures, Cardinal Gugerotti concluded with a heartfelt mandate: “Preserve unity, because the name of God is unity and love.”
The Jubilee celebration stood as a powerful testament to the enduring faith, cultural richness, and spiritual resilience of the Eastern Churches, as they continue to journey in communion with the wider Catholic Church.