Vatican City:  Pope Leo XIV has encouraged members of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church living across Europe to remain faithful to their rich spiritual heritage and become “messengers of hope” as their Church prepares to celebrate the centenary of its full communion with the Catholic Church.

Pope appealed on Monday while welcoming a delegation of clergy, religious and lay faithful to the Vatican during the first convention of Syro Malankara Catholics residing in Europe.

In his address, Pope Leo reflected on the Church’s ongoing journey of spiritual renewal ahead of the centenary celebrations. The anniversary marks 100 years of the movement toward full ecclesial communion that helped shape the Syro Malankara Catholic Church into the vibrant community it is today.

Recalling the historic efforts of Venerable Mar Ivanios and Mar Theophilos, the Pope expressed gratitude for their leadership and vision. He said their commitment guided clergy, religious and faithful into closer communion with the Successor of Saint Peter while preserving their distinctive Eastern Christian identity.

Pope described Mar Ivanios as a shepherd deeply inspired by Christ and dedicated to building unity within the Church. He said the late Church leader worked tirelessly to make the Church a visible sign of communion, reconciliation and harmony in society.

Pope Leo also highlighted the missionary spirit that shaped Mar Ivanios from an early age. He noted that the visionary leader looked beyond the needs of his own community and sought to revive the missionary zeal first brought to India through the preaching of Saint Thomas the Apostle.

Pope stressed that authentic evangelisation is not carried out merely through words but through a life of virtue, service and charity. He praised the Syro Malankara Church for its long tradition of serving society through education, social outreach and efforts to promote human dignity, especially among people living on the margins.

According to  Pope, these works have made the Church a beacon of evangelical energy and apostolic charity. He recalled the teaching of Pope Benedict XVI that the Gospel spreads primarily through attraction, drawing people to Christ through the witness of love and faithful Christian living.

Turning to the growing presence of Syro Malankara Catholics outside India, Pope Leo underlined the importance of preserving the spiritual, liturgical and cultural traditions of the Eastern Catholic Churches. He noted that these traditions are a valuable treasure not only for their own faithful but also for the wider Catholic Church.

Pope referred to earlier efforts by the Holy See to provide pastoral care for Syro Malankara communities abroad, including the establishment of an Apostolic Exarchate in the United States and the extension of pastoral structures to Canada.

He also highlighted the appointment of Bishop Mar Osthathios as the first full time Apostolic Visitator for Syro Malankara Catholics throughout Europe. The bishop has been entrusted with assessing the pastoral needs of the faithful and helping to build strong foundations for future generations.

Pope Leo said this mission aims to ensure that young people and families living far from their homeland can continue to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ while remaining connected to their unique ecclesial traditions.

Pope further revealed that he has asked the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches to work with local Latin bishops to find ways of supporting Eastern Catholic communities. Such cooperation, he said, can help preserve ancient traditions while enriching the local Churches where these communities now live.

Concluding his address, Pope Leo encouraged the faithful to deepen their participation in Church life and promote greater awareness of the precious identity of the Syro Malankara Church. He urged them to remain united with their Major Archbishop and Synod of Bishops while cherishing the spiritual heritage handed down to them.

Pope also praised the strong tradition of faith centred family life associated with the Christian communities of Saint Thomas. He prayed that this faith would continue to flourish in homes and hearts, especially among young people, ensuring that future generations remain faithful witnesses of Christ and bearers of hope in Europe and beyond.