Special prayers held across state for Pope

Kochi: With Pope Francis completing 10 years as pontiff, masses were held in Catholic churches across Kerala with special prayers for the Pope on Monday. Cardinal George Alencherry, the major archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, attended the celebration on the 10th anniversary at the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See in New Delhi, Church sources said. Masses with the prayer intention for Pope Francis were celebrated at Mount St Thomas, the headquarters of the Syro Malabar Church, and churches across the state. Curia Bishop Mar Sebastian Vaniyapurackal and Melbourne diocese bishop designate John Panamthottathil were co-celebrants at the mass held at Mount St Thomas.“Pope Francis is an icon of simplicity. The Pope has been able to provide a new sense of direction for the Catholic Church in the modern age. He stood for reformation in the Church. He also took care to provide a more administrative role for women in the Church,” said Fr Antony Vadakkekara, secretary of the Syro-Malabar Church media commission.Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) deputy secretary general Fr Jacob Palackappilly said the Kerala Church along with the world was proud of the Pope’s work for the past 10 years and that the faithful in the country were eagerly waiting for the Pope’s visit.“The Pope expressed hope of visiting India next year. Kerala Catholic Church and the country’s Church are eagerly waiting for that. Pope Francis stands for unity based on brotherhood and love, cutting across religions. Pope Francis, in the past 10 years, has made a huge reformation within the Church itself, like in the financial sector and ecumenical relations,” said Fr Palackappilly, who is also the KCBC spokesperson. He said the Pope has been showing a path of reconciliation. “His is an attitude of inclusion. The Pope wishes that everyone’s voice be heard. A major speciality of the Pope is that he includes everyone and hears everyone. He has an administrative style which creates opportunity for everyone to express their opinion,” he said.