Pope Leo XIV Visited India Twice as Augustinian General

Kochi, 9 May 2025: Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected Supreme Pontiff, had visited India twice during his tenure as the General of the Order of St. Augustine. His visits in 2004 and 2006 brought him to various Augustinian communities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, leaving a lasting impression on those he encountered.

During his first visit in 2004, he stayed for over a week at the Augustinian houses in Mariyapuram, Aluva (in the Archdiocese of Verapoly), and Edakochi (in the Diocese of Cochin), both located in Ernakulam district, Kerala. He celebrated Holy Mass at Mary Queen of Help of Christians Parish in Mariyapuram and St. Antony’s Shrine in Edakochi.

Notably, on April 22, 2004, he concelebrated the Ordination Mass of six Augustinian deacons to the priesthood alongside the then Archbishop of Verapoly, the late Most Rev. Daniel Acharuparambil, at St. Francis Xavier’s Church, Kathrikadavu, Kaloor.

His second visit came in October 2006, when he returned to the Augustinian house in Mariyapuram from 3 to 6 October to participate in the Asia-Pacific Meeting of the Order of St. Augustine held in Aluva. Once again, he stayed at the same residence and celebrated Mass at the local parish.

During this trip, he also made a brief visit to Shenbagam School in Pollachi, run by the Augustinian Fathers under the Diocese of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. In 2006 he also viisted St. Thomas Parish, Thalapuzha and offered Holy Mass, which belongs to the Archdiocese of Calicut in Kerala.

“He was incredibly simple, down-to-earth, and always willing to adapt,” recalled Fr. Jacob Mullassery, O.S.A., who accompanied Pope Leo XIV during both visits. “He never asked for special treatment. He travelled in small vehicles and had no hesitation staying in modest rooms with basic amenities in Aluva and Edakochi. His humility deeply touched all of us.”

Fr. Metro Xavier, O.S.A., who had several personal encounters with Pope Leo XIV, described him as “a profoundly spiritual man.” He added, “He spent long hours in silent Eucharistic Adoration. He had a deep love for the Church and great reverence for its Magisterium. His spiritual life was rooted in prayer and simplicity.”

Reacting to the historic election of one of their own as the Bishop of Rome, Fr. Wilson Injerappu, O.S.A., Regional Vicar of the Augustinian Order in India, expressed joy and hope: “We are filled with immense joy and jubilation. To have an Augustinian as the Holy Father is a great blessing for us. It also reminds us of our responsibility to pray continually for him and support his mission with our prayers and sacrifices.”

By Dr. Stephen Alathara