Apostolic Visitor

His Excellency Mar Stephen Chirappanath

His Holiness Pope Francis appointed His Excellency Mar Stephen Chirappanath as the Apostolic Visitor to the Syro-Malabar faithful residing in Europe through an official Apostolic Letter dated 26 July 2016 (Jubilee Year of Mercy). Entrusted with pastoral responsibility for Syro-Malabar communities across Europe, he is called to strengthen ecclesial unity, foster spiritual growth, and coordinate pastoral care in collaboration with local dioceses, in accordance with the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches and the directives of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches.

Pastoral Vision

To nurture a united Syro-Malabar community in Europe, rooted in the apostolic tradition of St. Thomas and strengthened through the Church’s liturgical, spiritual, and ecclesial heritage. The Apostolic Visitor encourages pastoral unity, supports faith formation, and promotes a vibrant missionary presence across European countries.

Role and Mandate

The Apostolic Visitor carries out his ministry in cooperation with local Ordinaries to ensure adequate pastoral care for Syro-Malabar faithful in Europe. To promote and coordinate an efficacious pastoral action, he is authorized to propose the creation of parishes or missions where appropriate, recommend suitable priests for pastoral service, and maintain regular communication and reporting to the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, in accordance with the norms of the Eastern Code of Canons.

Key Responsibilities

Verifies the pastoral situation and needs of Syro-Malabar faithful in Europe and proposes appropriate measures.
Encourages the faithful, meets local bishops and diocesan authorities, and collaborates for effective pastoral care.
Proposes the creation of Syro-Malabar parishes or missions where appropriate (while respecting diocesan authority).
Recommends suitable priests for the pastoral care of Syro-Malabar communities.
Ensures mutual cooperation between the Apostolic Visitation and local Ordinaries.
Submits periodic reports to the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches.

Appointment

His appointment as Apostolic Visitor was made by Pope Francis through an Apostolic Letter dated 26 July 2016. The mission is carried out in accordance with the norms of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches and the directives of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches. There is no fixed term for the mandate unless otherwise notified by the Holy See.

The Apostolic Visitation exists to accompany the faithful across Europe, helping them remain rooted in the Syro-Malabar liturgical tradition, united in faith, and strengthened by the pastoral care of the Church.

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