In Memoriam His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Paulose II

The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity joins in prayer with the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church on the death on 12 July 2021 of His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Paulose II, Catholicos of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.

The Pontifical Council calls to mind with sentiments of esteem the commitment of His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Paulose II to promote the ecumenical relations of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, especially with the Catholic Church.

Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, sent a letter of condolence to His Eminence Yuhanon Mar Diascoros, Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church

The Cardinal recalls with particular gratitude the meeting of His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Paulose II with Pope Francis on September 2013, and also his generous hospitality offered to the eleventh meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches in February 2014 at the Samanvaya Retreat Centre in Pampakuda. The yearly sessions in Kerala of the Joint International Commission for Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church were also auspicious opportunity for the delegation of the Pontifical Council to appreciate the kindness and spiritual depth of His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Paulose II.

_{Photo home page: Meeting in Rome, on 5 September 2013, between His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Paulose II and Pope Francis
© Servizio Fotografico - Vatican Media}

_{Other photo : Visit of Bishop Brian Farrell, Secretary of PCPCU, and Fr Hyacinthe Destivelle to His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Paulose II, on 11 December 2019.}