Pope Francis Elevates Calicut Archdiocese; Varghese Chakkalakal Named Archbishop
In a momentous occasion on Saturday, Pope Francis announced the elevation of the Diocese of Calicut to the prestigious status of Metropolitan Archdiocese. The news, which reverberated across the globe, was disclosed at 3:30 p.m. local time (noon in Rome) by Mar Joseph Pamplany, the Archbishop of Thalassery, at the historic Bishop’s House in Malaparamba. This significant decision marks a new chapter in the religious landscape of Calicut, with the Archdiocese set to encompass Kannur and Sultanpet as its suffragan dioceses.
The First Metropolitan Archbishop of Calicut
At the heart of this monumental transformation is Bishop Varghese Chakkalakal, who has been appointed as the first Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Calicut. A figure of profound spiritual leadership and unwavering dedication, Archbishop Chakkalakal brings with him a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to his calling. His journey in the priesthood began in 1981, culminating in his consecration as the bishop of Kannur in 1998 before assuming the role in Calicut in 2012.
A Gathering of Distinguished Guests
The historic occasion was attended by a distinguished array of ecclesiastical leaders, including Bishops Alex Vadakumthala of Kannur, Remigiose Inchananiyil of Thamarassery, Peter Abir Antonysamy of Sultanpet, Ambrose Puthenveettil of Kottappuram, and Auxiliary Bishops Antony Valunkal of Varapuzha and Dennis Kuruppassery of Kannur. Their presence underscored the significance of the moment and the unity of purpose that binds the spiritual community in times of celebration and transition.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other prominent figures such as All India Congress Committee general secretary K.C. Venugopal and Kozhikode MP M.K. Raghavan also graced the event with their presence. Their attendance highlighted the deep-rooted connections between the ecclesiastical realm and the broader socio-political fabric of society, emphasizing the role of faith in shaping communal bonds and shared values.
A Legacy of Service and Commitment
Archbishop Chakkalakal’s elevation is not merely a title; it is a testament to a lifetime of service and commitment to his faith and community. Over the years, he has held pivotal roles within the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC), the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), the Kerala Regional Latin Catholic Bishops’ Council (KRLCBC), and the CCBI Commission for vocations, seminaries, and clergy. His multifaceted leadership reflects a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the Catholic community in the modern world.
As Archbishop Chakkalakal embarks on this new chapter in his spiritual journey, he carries with him the hopes and aspirations of a vibrant and diverse community. His leadership will undoubtedly shape the future of the Archdiocese of Calicut and inspire generations to come with his unwavering faith, compassion, and dedication to service.
Published – April 13, 2025 02:22 am IST.
