Metropolitan Zachariah Mar Nicholovos of the Northeast American Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Diocese, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the local Roman Catholic dioceses upon the joyful announcement of the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV as the new Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
In letters addressed to the Bishops of the local Roman Catholic dioceses, His Grace conveyed his joy and offered prayers for the newly elected Pontiff. “On behalf of the clergy and faithful of the Northeast American Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church..."
Metropolitan Nicholovos offered his prayers for wisdom and strength as the new Pontiff of the Roman Church begins his spiritual leadership of the Catholic Church to serve as a voice of faith, compassion, and justice in the world.
Metropolitan Nicholovos also noted the shared Christian witness and commitment to dialogue between the Malankara Orthodox and Catholic Church since 1988, stating: “Since the establishment of the Joint International Commission for Dialogue in 1988, our two Churches have made significant strides in overcoming historical divisions by embracing our common apostolic foundation.”
The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, part of the Oriental Orthodox tradition, has long engaged in ecumenical efforts and maintains a spirit of cooperation and respect with other apostolic churches.