New Delhi: In a significant development for the Catholic Church in India, Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) and Archbishop of Trichur, met with Pope Leo XIV during the General Audience at the Vatican on October 22, 2025. The meeting marked another milestone in the ongoing dialogue between the Holy See and the Church in India.
Archbishop Thazhath expressed deep joy and gratitude following the audience, recalling his earlier meeting with Pope Leo XIV on May 14, 2025, shortly after the pontiff’s election, when he had been received alongside other Oriental bishops. “I am very happy to inform you that today I had the great privilege and honor of meeting Pope Leo XIV during the General Audience,” Archbishop Thazhath said, highlighting the warmth and cordiality of the encounter.
During the audience, the CBCI President officially extended a formal invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit India at the earliest opportunity. Accompanying the invitation was a comprehensive report on the Catholic Church in India a detailed SWOT analysis covering its achievements, challenges, and contributions to society. Archbishop Thazhath underscored that he would also engage with the Government of India to coordinate the proposed papal visit.
Further discussions regarding the visit are scheduled with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, on October 23, signaling ongoing diplomatic and ecclesiastical planning. Archbishop Thazhath revealed that Pope Leo XIV received the invitation warmly and conveyed his apostolic blessings upon the Church and the people of India. “The Holy Father was very happy and conveyed his blessings for the Catholic Church in India and for all the people of our nation,” the Archbishop noted.
In addition, Archbishop Thazhath sought the Pope’s special message and blessings for the upcoming General Body Meeting of Catholic Bishops of India, set to convene in February 2026. He reaffirmed that Pope Leo XIV holds the Church in India in high regard and continues to extend his spiritual guidance and encouragement.
This historic interaction underscores the deepening relationship between the Vatican and the Indian Catholic community, reflecting a shared vision for spiritual growth, pastoral care, and engagement with societal challenges across India.