Pope Francis confirms the canonical election of Bishop Raphael Thattil as Major Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly of the Syro-Malabars.
Mar Raphael succeeds George Cardinal Alencherry as head of the sui iuris Syro-Malabar Catholic Church.
Pope Francis has granted his confirmation to the election of His Excellency Raphael Thattil, Bishop of Shamshabad, as Major Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly (India) and “Father and Head of this beloved Church sui iuris."
A Church “sui iuris” (Latin – literally, “of its own law”) is “a community fo the Christian faith, which is joined together by a hierarchy according to the norm of law and which is expressly or tacitly recognized as sui iuris by the supreme authority of the Church (CCEO, 27)
Mar Raphael Thattil was chosen by the Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church, which had gathered at St. Thomas Mount in India for the election.
Pope Francis subsequently granted his confirmation of the election in accordance with Canon 153 of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches (CCEO).
Churches sui iuris have their own liturgical and theological, spiritual, and disciplinary patrimony, culture, and history.
Such Churches enjoy autonomy while remaining in union with, and under the supreme authority, of the Roman Pontiff, the Pope.
Prayers for the Syro-Malabar Church
In his letter responding to Mar Raphael’s request for confirmation of his election, Pope Francis writes, “Please know that I willingly grant the confirmation you have requested and express my fraternal good wishes in Jesus Christ, our Lord and God.”
The Holy Father goes on to encourage Mar Raphael to follow his predecessor’s example of “generous and fruitful pastoral ministry to the flock now entrusted to [his] care,” and “to remember the poor and those most in need.”
The Pope continues with the prayer that “the Holy Spirit foster the unity, fidelity, and mission of the Syro-Malabar Church, so that it may grow and flourish under [Mar Raphael’s] paternal guidance.”
Concurrently with the announcement of the papal confirmation of Mar Raphael’s election, the Vatican stated that Mar Bosco Puthur will continue as Apostolic Administrator of the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly ad nutum Sanctae Sedis (at the discretion of the Holy See) until further provision is made.