Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has thanked God for the growth of Syro-Malabar Catholic communities across Europe, welcoming their faithful and Church leaders during his Angelus address at St Peter's Square in the Vatican on Sunday, November 1.
“I am pleased to welcome the Syro-Malabar faithful together with their Pastors. Dear friends, together with you I give thanks to the Lord for the growth of your communities throughout Europe,” the Pope said.
The greeting came as the Syro-Malabar Church marked the tenth anniversary of the beginning of its Apostolic Visitation in Europe. The celebrations brought together Church leaders, priests and hundreds of faithful from different European countries in Rome.
The anniversary programme began on Saturday, October 31, with activities involving representatives of Syro-Malabar communities from across Europe. The main liturgical celebrations were held on Sunday, November 1, at the Basilica of Santa Anastasia in Rome.
Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil, head of the Syro-Malabar Church, presided over the anniversary Mass. Cardinal Mar George Koovakad also participated in the programme and delivered the main address at a public meeting. Mar Stephen Chirappanath, the Apostolic Visitor for Syro-Malabar Catholics in Europe, also took part in the celebrations.
The anniversary highlighted the significant growth of the Church's pastoral presence across Europe over the past decade. According to figures reported by Church representatives, the number of Syro-Malabar communities has grown from 89 Qurbana centres in 2016 to 180 active faith communities in 2026.
The number of priests serving these communities has also increased from 42 in 2016 to 102 in 2026. The Church's pastoral network now extends across 26 European countries, reflecting the growing presence of Syro-Malabar Catholics throughout the continent.
The Apostolic Visitation was established to coordinate the spiritual and pastoral needs of Syro-Malabar Catholics living in European countries. Many of these communities include families who moved from Kerala and other parts of India for employment, education and other opportunities.
Pope Francis appointed Mar Stephen Chirappanath as Apostolic Visitor for Syro-Malabar Catholics in Europe in July 2016. He was ordained bishop and began his episcopal ministry on November 1, 2016, in Rome. The tenth anniversary celebrated this year marks an important milestone in the development of the Church's pastoral administration in Europe.
Over the past decade, the Apostolic Visitation has helped coordinate priests, organise liturgical celebrations and support the religious life of communities spread across different countries. It has also worked to preserve the traditions of the Syro-Malabar Church while helping younger generations remain connected to their faith and heritage.
The Syro-Malabar Church follows the East Syriac liturgical tradition and is one of the Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Pope. Although its historical roots are in Kerala, its members now live in many countries around the world.
Maintaining religious identity among younger generations remains an important concern for the Church, particularly as many children of Indian families grow up in European societies with different languages and cultural backgrounds.
The anniversary programme also included activities for young people and gatherings involving representatives of Syro-Malabar communities from different European countries. Church leaders highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation among these communities and ensuring that pastoral services continue to meet the needs of families living far from their traditional homeland.
Pope's greeting recognised the growth of these communities and their place within the wider Catholic Church in Europe. His words added significance to the tenth anniversary celebrations, which marked a decade of efforts to strengthen the spiritual life and unity of Syro-Malabar Catholics across the continent.