Three Indian archbishops receive Pallium from Pope Leo

On the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, June 29, 2025, Pope Leo XIV conferred the pallium on three Indian prelates during a solemn Eucharistic Celebration at the Altar of Confession in St. Peter’s Basilica.

During the celebration, the Holy Father blesses and confers the pallium upon 54 newly appointed metropolitan archbishops from around the world, including three from India.

The Indian prelates receiving the pallium this year are

1. Archbishop John Rodrigues

Metropolitan Archbishop of Bombay

Appointed in February 2024, Rodrigues previously served as Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay. Known for his pastoral sensitivity and focus on youth and vocations, he is also a former rector of St. Pius X College, Mumbai’s diocesan seminary.

2. Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakal

Metropolitan Archbishop of Calicut

Previously Bishop of Kannur and later transferred to Calicut, Chakkalakal has a strong background in canon law and theological education. His episcopal ministry emphasizes evangelization and strengthening parish communities in Kerala.

3. Archbishop Udumala Bala Showreddy

Metropolitan Archbishop of Visakhapatnam

Formerly Bishop of Warangal, Showreddy is noted for his commitment to education and rural development. A Scripture scholar, he has served in various capacities within the Telugu-speaking Catholic Church and was appointed Archbishop of Visakhapatnam in 2024.

The pallium is a sacred liturgical vestment made from white lamb’s wool, worn by metropolitan archbishops as a sign of their communion with the Pope and their pastoral authority within their respective provinces. Symbolizing unity with the See of Peter, the pallium signifies the archbishop's mission of service cum Petro et sub Petro—with Peter and under Peter.

Worn over the chasuble, the pallium is about 5 cm wide and features two hanging bands, front and back, each 30 cm long, with weighted silk-covered lead pieces at the ends. It is adorned with six black crosses, and three of these crosses are affixed with a pin known as a spinula—a small thorn-like pin that evokes the burden and sacrifice of episcopal ministry.

The use of the pallium dates back to the 6th century, when Pope St. Gregory the Great conferred it as a mark of honor. By the 9th century, it had become a formal requirement for all newly appointed metropolitan archbishops, who are to request it from the Holy See after their appointment.

This deeply symbolic tradition, held annually on the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, reinforces the hierarchical communion of the Catholic Church and the shared apostolic mission entrusted to its leaders across the globe.