Pope Francis acted decisively in the affairs of the Syro-Malabar church

The Vatican announced at a condolences meeting in New Delhi on April 21, 2025 that the Vatican announced a photo of Pope Francis’ death. Image source: Reuters

Statement shared by the priest on social media. Jijo Kurian, pastor of Capuchin from Idukki, captures the lasting image of Pope Francis among the Kerala believers. “‘I prefer a bruised, wounded and dirty church because it’s already on the street, not Pope Francis. Read the statement by Curian.

However, as the tribute continues to follow the death of the pope, many voices in Kerala also highlight the often-existing ideological distance between Pope Francis and the Catholic clergy of Kerala at this moment. This division was particularly evident during the Gaza War amid concerns about growing anti-Israel sentiment in the state.

Pope Francis chose to interact directly with Islamic leaders, conduct historic pope visits throughout the Muslim world and work to build bridges of peace and understanding.

“The Pope has been espouses peace, dialogue and interfaith respect, especially in the face of violence. The contrast between his gospel’s ingrained humanitarianism and local insecurity reveals a major rift. He expressed a silent voice to Jesus of Nazareth, just as Jesus of Nazareth did,” said Catholic priests from northern North India.

Catholic reformist Shyju Antony led Almaya Munnettom, an absent movement active in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Vascular House, and he echoed a similar view. He pointed out several examples of Pope Francis’ unhesitant intervention in the affairs of the autonomous syro-malabar church. “A noteworthy example is when he commissioned an international consulting firm to investigate the disputed land transaction, then divesting Cardinal George Alencherry from his administrative responsibilities,” Anthony noted.

He added that Pope Francis was also the first to challenge a sexual abuse case that would long involve bishops as a “chapel secret.” Although he decided to accept the resignation of Bishop Franco Mulakkal, the shift was obvious, even if the bishop was acquitted in the trial court in Kerala.