Media Release

Vatican (Rome), Sep 11: Pope Francis extended a warm welcome to His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, the Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, during his visit to the Vatican on Monday, September 11.

In his address, Pope Francis expressed gratitude for the deepening ties between their respective churches since the Second Vatican Council and acknowledged the historical significance of meetings and visits between their predecessors. He warmly referred to Catholicos Baselios as a "beloved and long-awaited Brother" within the Vatican.

Recognizing the ancient roots of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, which traces its origins to the Apostle Thomas, Pope Francis emphasized their shared faith in Jesus as Lord and God. He expressed hope for unity as the church approached the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and addressed the historical divisions among Christians as painful wounds on the Body of Christ. Pope Francis urged a collective effort to heal these wounds through prayer, charity, and dialogue, stating, "in the meantime, dear Brother, let us advance together in the prayer that purifies us, in the charity that unites us, and in the dialogue that brings us closer to one another."

The Pope also highlighted the historic Christological agreement reached by the Joint International Commission, emphasizing that differences in terminology should not hinder the proclamation of Christ. He noted, "these differences are such as can coexist in the same communion and therefore need not and should not divide us, especially when we proclaim Christ to our brothers and sisters around the world in terms that they can more easily understand."

Furthermore, Pope Francis stressed the importance of synodality and praised the synodal experience of the Malankara Orthodox Church, which he believed could offer valuable lessons to the Catholic Church's ongoing synodal process. He stated, "I am convinced that we can learn much from the age-old synodal experience of your Church," and expressed hope that the synodal process could contribute to the broader ecumenical movement.

In conclusion, Pope Francis invoked the intercession of Saint Thomas the Apostle for unity and witness, drawing a parallel with Saint Thomas's transition from disbelief to belief upon seeing Jesus' wounds. He prayed for the complete healing of past wounds among Christians, envisioning a future where they recognize and adore the crucified and risen Lord at a single Eucharistic altar.