In a significant development for the Syro-Malabar Church, Mar Raphael Thattil has stepped into the role of leader for over 50 lakh Syro-Malabar Catholics scattered across 35 dioceses globally. The official announcement came just before noon in Italy at the Vatican and at 4:30 PM Indian time at Mount St. Thomas in Kakkanad.

Following a twelve-year tenure, the Syro-Malabar Church has welcomed a new president. Cardinal Mar George Alencherry's resignation after leading for twelve years prompted the election of a new major archbishop. The process to elect the new leader commenced yesterday (January 9) morning during the synod session. The details of the election were submitted to the Vatican for approval yesterday.

Mar Raphael Thattil, born on April 21, 1956, at Thrissur Puthanpally Basilika Parish, commenced his priestly training at St. Mary's Minor Seminary in Thrissur and furthered his studies at St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary in Vadavathur. He was ordained to the priesthood on December 21, 1980, serving the Diocese of Thrissur.

His journey included roles as Assistant Vicar at Aranatukara Church, Father Prefect, Vice Rector, and Precurator at Thrissur Minor Seminary, along with acting as Vicar in Koonammuchi and Cherumkuzhi Churches. Mar Raphael Thattil pursued and attained a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome, subsequently serving as diocesan vice-chancellor, chancellor, and syncellus.

He also held roles as a notary, judge, and adjutant vicar in the diocesan concert. In 2010, Mar Raphael was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Thrissur Archdiocese. His service extended to being an Apostolic Visitor responsible for the Diaspora, and in 2017, he assumed the role of Bishop of Shamshabad Diocese.

Mar Raphael Thattil’s appointment signifies a new chapter for the Syro-Malabar Church, bringing with it the promise of continued leadership and guidance for its vast global community.

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