PM Modi Holds Cordial Talks with Syro-Malabar Church Leaders

New Delhi, November 5, 2025 Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil, the head of the Syro-Malabar Church, along with other senior Church leaders in New Delhi on Tuesday. The meeting was described as warm and constructive, focusing on the role of the Christian community in India’s development and issues concerning the welfare of minorities. In a post shared on X, the Prime Minister said he had a “wonderful interaction” with Major Archbishop His Beatitude Mar Raphael Thattil, His Grace Archbishop Dr. Kuriakose Bharanikulangara, and other members of the Church. The delegation, led by Major Archbishop Thattil, included Archbishop Bharanikulangara of the Faridabad Archdiocese and several bishops representing the Syro-Malabar Church. This Church is the largest among the three Eastern Catholic Churches in Kerala that maintain allegiance to the Pope. During the discussion, the bishops brought up matters related to the welfare of Christian minorities, micro-minority rights, and community development. Prime Minister Modi assured them that his government remains open to dialogue on all issues and is committed to inclusive governance. He also conveyed that he was always available to address the concerns of the Christian community, saying, “I am always at your service.” Kerala BJP leaders, including State President and former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and party leader Shone George, were also present at the meeting. Chandrasekhar described it as a “courtesy call” and said that the Prime Minister listened carefully to the concerns expressed by the Church representatives. He added that the BJP’s approach to governance is one of inclusivity, emphasizing that it goes beyond religious boundaries and focuses on the welfare of all citizens. The Church delegation also took the opportunity to submit a formal request to the Prime Minister, asking him to invite Pope Francis to visit India. The proposal was received positively, with Modi reportedly welcoming the idea. The bishops expressed their appreciation for the government’s willingness to engage with the Church and hoped for continued cooperation in fields like education, social welfare, and community service. The Syro-Malabar Church is one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, tracing its roots to St. Thomas the Apostle, who is believed to have brought Christianity to India between 42 and 72 AD. Over the centuries, the Church developed a rich spiritual and cultural heritage while maintaining close ties with the Church of the East in the Persian Empire. It has also gone through significant historical moments, including the Synod of Diamper in 1599 and the Coonan Cross Oath in 1653, both of which played a major role in shaping its distinct identity and self-governance. The meeting between Prime Minister Modi and the Church leaders was seen as a positive step in strengthening ties between the government and the Christian community, reflecting an effort to build mutual trust and cooperation in India’s diverse social landscape. Faith and Dialogue: PM Modi Meets Syro-Malabar Church Leaders in Delhi Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil, head of the Syro-Malabar Church, and other senior bishops in New Delhi in a warm and constructive meeting that focused on unity, inclusion, and the Christian community’s role in India’s growth story. The delegation, led by Archbishop Thattil, discussed issues concerning the welfare of Christian minorities, micro-minority rights, and community development. PM Modi assured them that his government is always open to dialogue and committed to inclusive governance, telling the Church leaders, “I am always at your service.” The meeting also touched on the possibility of inviting Pope Francis to visit India—an idea that was welcomed positively. Kerala BJP leaders, including Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Shone George, were present during the interaction, describing it as a gesture of goodwill and understanding beyond religious lines. The Syro-Malabar Church, one of the world’s oldest Christian communities tracing back to St. Thomas the Apostle, appreciated the government’s outreach and expressed hope for continued cooperation in education and social welfare.