The Syro Malabar Participants in the Synod met Holy Father Pope Francis on Monday, 16th October 2023, before the Synodal Session and expressed the love and allegiance to the Holy Father and the Apostolic See. The Major Archbishop Cardinal George Alencherry presented to the Holy Father an Icon on St. Francis of Assisi drawn by Fr. Jacob Kooroth. The Pope thanked for it as well as for the expression of love and communion.
Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, as CBCI President, invited again the Pope to visit India. Pope expressed his desire to come; but responded ‘piano’ = slowly.
The Bishops representing Syro Malabar Church are 1. Mar George Cardinal Alencherry, 2. Mar Andrews Thazhath, 3. Mar Joseph Pamplany. The other participants are Fr. Pullankunnel Sijeesh, Chancellor of the Eparchy of Melbourn representing Australia and Mr. Mathew Thomas (Dubai) representing the Church in Gulf countries. Fr. George Plathottam SDB is a member of the Synodal Media Team and Fr. Kallikkatt Tomy from Belthangady is a member of the team who assist the Synodal organisation.