"Pope Ratifies Election of New Syro-Malabar Leader"

Pope Francis confirmed the appointment of Bishop Raphael Thattil as the new Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, succeeding Cardinal George Alencherry. Thattil, who has led the Eparchy of Shamshabad, faces the challenge of resolving a liturgical dispute in his new Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly. He is known for his broad perspective on the challenges facing India's Christian minority and is set to be installed on January 11.