MUMBAI – A leading dissident in India’s Syro-Malabar Church has expressed satisfaction for the resignations of two senior officials, including the controversial cardinal who headed the Church, but also perplexity regarding an unusual video appeal by Pope Francis for obedience.
“We cannot make an immediate response to the video message of the Pope, but we’re loyal to the Pope,” said Father Joyce Kaithakottil of the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, where resistance to liturgical changes prescribed by the Church’s governing synod has fueled angry public protests and a months-long shutdown at the local basilica.
