The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) is pleased to express its deep joy and happiness on the election of the new Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV. The Church in Kerala joins the entire Catholic community around the world in lifting our hearts and minds in thanksgiving to the Heavenly Father for blessing us with a shepherd modeled after His Son, Jesus Christ, the Supreme Shepherd.

The KCBC pledges its total loyalty and allegiance to Pope Leo XIV and assures His Holiness of our heartfelt prayers. May the Holy Spirit—who inspired the Cardinal-electors to choose Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the successor of St. Peter—continue to guide, strengthen, and enlighten the Holy Father in fulfilling the sacred responsibilities of the Petrine Ministry for the good of the Universal Church and the well-being of all humanity.