In a significant move for the Syro-Malabar Church, Archbishop Joseph Pamplany has been appointed as the vicar of the major archbishop for the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly.
This leadership change was officially confirmed by Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil on January 11, 2025.
The announcement comes after the conclusion of the First Session of the XXXIII Synod of Bishops, which took place at Mount St. Thomas in Kakkanad from January 6 to 11.
Background of the Syro-Malabar Church
With a global membership exceeding 5 million, the Syro-Malabar Church stands as one of the largest Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with Rome.
It is based primarily in the southern Indian state of Kerala and holds the position of the second-largest Eastern Catholic Church globally, just behind the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
Resignation of Bishop Mar Bosco Puthur
Along with the announcement of Archbishop Pamplany’s appointment, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis had accepted the resignation of Bishop Mar Bosco Puthur, who had served as apostolic administrator since December 2023.
Bishop Puthur had tendered his resignation in September 2024, citing health concerns, and had held the position for less than a year.
Tensions Over Liturgical Reforms
The Syro-Malabar Church is also currently facing a complex internal dispute concerning liturgical reforms.
One of the central issues involves the practice of whether priests should face the altar or the congregation during the Holy Qurbana, the church’s Eucharistic liturgy.
This disagreement continues to fuel debates, as the church navigates its traditional practices and the desire for reform.
Despite these internal challenges, the Syro-Malabar Church remains an autonomous body in terms of administrative and liturgical matters, while still recognizing the authority of the pope.
This leadership shift signals both a new chapter and an ongoing effort to balance tradition with the evolving needs of the church community.
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