Thiruvananthapuram, May 23 -- A hand-carved sandalwood cross with stones from the skilled wood craftsmen of Udupi in Mangalore was gifted to Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City by the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in Kerala.
A delegation from the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church participated in the inaugural mass of the Pope Leo XIV held at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.
In a message conveyed to Pope Leo XIV, Catholicose of the East and Malankara Metropolitan, Baselios Marthoma Mathews III extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Pope and prayed for peace.
The delegation's presence reflected the deep fraternal relationship and ecumenical goodwill shared between the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and the Roman Cathol...