Raphael Thattil
Date of Birth
21/04/1956
Place of Birth
Trichur, Kerala
Date of Birth
21/04/1956
Place of Birth
Trichur, Kerala
Ordained on
21-12-1980
Consecration
10 April 2010
Ordained on
21-12-1980
Consecration
10 April 2010
Major Archbishop on
11-01-2024
Major Archbishop on
11-01-2024
Early Life and Education
Raphael Thattil was born on April 21, 1956, in Trichur, Kerala, India. He pursued early education locally before studying philosophy and theology at the Pontifical Seminary in Alwaye, Kerala.
Ordination and Early Ministry
Ordained a priest on December 21, 1980, Thattil served in various pastoral roles, including parish priest and director of the minor seminary. He also held administrative positions such as chancellor of the Archdiocese of Trichur, showcasing his leadership and dedication to his community.
Episcopal Journey
Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Trichur on January 18, 2010, he was consecrated on April 10, 2010. In 2014, he was named Apostolic Visitator for the Syro-Malabar faithful in India outside the canonical territories, addressing the pastoral needs of dispersed communities.
Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church
In 2017, Raphael Thattil was appointed the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, an Eastern Catholic Church in full communion with Rome. On January 9, 2024, the Synod of Bishops elected Raphael Thattil as the fourth Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, succeeding George Alencherry. Pope Francis confirmed the election in a letter. The announcement was made on January 10, 2024, both at the Vatican and in Kakkanad, where he was installed on January 11, 2024, at Mount St. Thomas.
Roles and Memberships
As Major Archbishop, Thattil is a key figure in the Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church, playing a crucial role in decision-making and governance. He participates in various Vatican congregations and councils, contributing to discussions on issues affecting the global Catholic Church and representing the interests of the Syro-Malabar community at the highest levels of the Church hierarchy.
