Thiruvananthapuram: The Vatican has appointed Fr. Kuriakose Thomas Thadathil of the Thiruvalla Eparchy as the Apostolic Visitor for Syro-Malankara Catholic faithful residing in Europe. The official notification was released on September 17, 2025, marking a significant step in strengthening the pastoral care of the diaspora community.
The appointment was ceremonially announced during the celebrations of the 95th anniversary of the Malankara Reunion Movement and the centenary of the episcopal ordination of Archbishop Mar Ivanios. The event, held in Adoor at Mary Ivanios Nagar, was led by Cardinal Baselios Mar Cleemis Catholicos in the presence of several bishops and a large gathering of faithful.
Born on March 28, 1962, in Kottayam, Fr. Kuriakose pursued his priestly formation at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Aluva, and obtained a degree in English Literature from Calicut University. He later earned a doctorate from the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome, specializing in ecclesiastical studies with a focus on liturgical and pastoral disciplines.
Ordained to the priesthood on December 30, 1987, Father Thadathil has served in multiple capacities, including parish vicar, teacher, and rector at St. Mary’s Malankara Major Seminary, and secretary of the Synodal Commission for Seminary Formation. He has also been actively engaged in coordinating pastoral care for the Malankara community in the United Kingdom.
As Apostolic Visitor, Fr. Kuriakose is tasked with overseeing the pastoral and spiritual needs of Syro-Malankara Catholics spread across Europe. His role will include fostering unity, ensuring proper liturgical practice, and establishing stronger communication between diaspora communities and the Malankara Catholic Church in India.
The appointment is viewed as a recognition of the growing presence of Malankara Catholics in Europe and their need for organized pastoral support. It is also expected that this development may pave the way for the establishment of more structured ecclesiastical jurisdictions in the region in the future.