Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal
Stored: Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal
| His Beatitude Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal | |
| Bishop of Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum (Syro-Malankara) | |
| Home diocese: | Eparchy of Bathery |
| Other diocese 1: | Eparchy of Tiruvalla |
| Other diocese 2: | Archieparchy of Tiruvalla |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 11 June 1986 by Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselios |
| Consecration: | 15 August 2001 by Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselios |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 24 November 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Isaac Thottunkal 15 June 1959 Mukkoor, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Indian |
| Education: | Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Dharmaram College, Papal Seminary Pune |
| Motto: | "Witness to Unity" |
| Role: | Diocesan |
| Theology: | Moderate |
| Region: | South Asia |
| Rite: | Syro-Malankara Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal (born 15 June 1959) is an Indian prelate and the Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, serving as Major Archbishop of Trivandrum since 2007. Elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, he became the first cardinal of the Syro-Malankara rite and, at 53, one of the youngest members of the College of Cardinals. A dedicated advocate for ecumenism and interreligious dialogue, Cleemis has worked to foster unity among Eastern and Western Churches while opposing forced conversions in India. His leadership extends to social initiatives, including education and care for the marginalized, earning him awards like the Bishop Jerome Fernandez Good Samaritan Award in 2021.[1][2][3]
Ordained a priest in 1986, Cleemis rapidly ascended through the Syro-Malankara hierarchy, serving as Bishop of Tiruvalla (2003–2006) and Metropolitan Archbishop of Tiruvalla (2006–2007) before his election as Major Archbishop. He participated in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis, a historic first for his rite, and is set to join the 2025 conclave following Francis’ death, representing Kerala among India’s four cardinal-electors.[4] As president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (2014–2018) and the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council, Cleemis has championed education, social justice, and interfaith cooperation, reflecting the Syro-Malankara Church’s commitment to India’s diverse Christian community.[1][5]
Biography
Birth and early life
Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal was born Isaac Thottunkal on June 15, 1959, in Mukkoor, a village near Mallappally in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, India, to Mathew and Annamma Thottunkal. Raised in the traditional Pakalomattom-Powathikunnel family, part of Kerala’s ancient Syrian Christian lineage, he grew up in a devout Syro-Malankara Catholic community. His early faith was shaped by his family’s commitment to the Church and the vibrant liturgical traditions of the Malankara rite, fostering a sense of vocation from a young age.[1][6]
Cleemis completed his primary education at St. Mary’s Government UP School in Kunnanthanam and secondary education at St. Mary’s High School in Anickad. Inspired by the Syro-Malankara Church’s mission, he discerned a priestly calling during his teenage years, influenced by local clergy and the Church’s role in Kerala’s diverse religious landscape. In 1976, he joined the Infant Jesus Minor Seminary in Tiruvalla, marking the start of his ecclesiastical journey.[1][7]
Education
Cleemis began his formation at the Infant Jesus Minor Seminary in Tiruvalla (1976–1979), followed by philosophical studies at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary in Aluva, where he earned a Bachelor of Philosophy (1979–1982). He pursued theological studies at the Papal Seminary in Pune, obtaining a Bachelor of Theology (1983–1986). After ordination, he studied at Dharmaram College, Bangalore, earning a Master of Theology (1986–1989). In 1997, he completed a doctorate in ecumenical theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome, focusing on unity among Christian traditions.[1][2][7]
His education blended rigorous academic training with pastoral engagement. In Bangalore, Cleemis served as vicar for Malankara Catholic missions, laying the foundation for vibrant communities. His Roman studies deepened his commitment to ecumenism, equipping him to foster dialogue between Eastern and Western Churches, a hallmark of his later ministry.[6][8]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on June 11, 1986, by Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselios for the Eparchy of Bathery, Cleemis served as vicar for Malankara Catholic missions in Bangalore while pursuing his master’s degree. Returning to Bathery, he held roles as spiritual father of the minor seminary, chancellor, and proto-syncellus, demonstrating administrative and pastoral skill. His early ministry focused on strengthening Syro-Malankara communities in mission areas, particularly among Kerala’s diaspora.[1][7][6]
Cleemis’ priesthood coincided with the Syro-Malankara Church’s growth as an Eastern Catholic sui iuris Church. His leadership in Bathery and contributions to ecumenical initiatives, such as the St. Thomas Ecumenical Federation, earned him recognition. In 2001, Pope John Paul II appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of Trivandrum and Apostolic Visitor for Syro-Malankara Catholics in North America and Europe, marking his rapid ascent.[2][1]
Bishop
Consecrated a bishop on August 15, 2001, by Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselios, Cleemis took the name Isaac Mar Cleemis and served as Auxiliary Bishop of Trivandrum. In 2003, he was appointed Bishop of Tiruvalla, and in 2006, he became the first Metropolitan Archbishop of the newly elevated Archieparchy of Tiruvalla. Elected Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church on February 9, 2007, and confirmed by Pope Benedict XVI, he assumed the name Baselios Cleemis and was enthroned on March 5, 2007, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom, Trivandrum.[1][6]
Elevated to cardinal on November 24, 2012, Cleemis became the first Syro-Malankara cardinal, assigned the titular church of San Gregorio VII. He participated in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis and is set to join the 2025 conclave.[4] His leadership emphasizes ecumenism, social justice, and education, with initiatives like Mar Baselios College of Engineering. Appointed to the Congregation for the Oriental Churches and the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue in 2013, he continues to advocate for unity and dialogue.[1][8]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archdiocese of Trivandrum | Auxiliary Bishop | 18 June 2001 | 11 September 2003 | Apostolic Visitor for North America and Europe |
| Eparchy of Tiruvalla | Bishop | 11 September 2003 | 15 May 2006 | Strengthened pastoral outreach |
| Archieparchy of Tiruvalla | Metropolitan Archbishop | 15 May 2006 | 9 February 2007 | First archbishop of elevated archieparchy |
| Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum | Major Archbishop-Catholicos | 9 February 2007 | Present | Elevated to cardinal in 2012 |
Significant events
- Ordained priest for the Eparchy of Bathery in 1986.[2]
- Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Trivandrum and Apostolic Visitor in 2001.[1]
- Became Bishop of Tiruvalla in 2003.[1]
- Installed as Metropolitan Archbishop of Tiruvalla in 2006.[6]
- Elected Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in 2007.[1]
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, first of Syro-Malankara rite.[1]
- Participated in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis.[1]
- Served as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, 2014–2018.[1]
- Received Bishop Jerome Fernandez Good Samaritan Award for humanitarian work in 2021.[3]
- Set to participate in the 2025 papal conclave following Pope Francis’ death.[4][5]
Books
Written about the bishop
- No specific biographies dedicated to Cardinal Cleemis were identified in the provided sources. General references include:
* Books on the Syro-Malankara Church (potential sources for contextual information).
Written by the bishop
- Emerging Trends in Malankara Catholic Theology: Vision and Contributions of Cyril Mar Baselios by Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal
- *Sabhayckum Samoohathinumayi* (Malayalam) by Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal
- *Suviseshadeepthi* (Malayalam) by Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal[6]
External links
- Baselios Cleemis (Isaac) Thottunkal
- Biography of His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis
- Vatican Biography of Cardinal Baselios Cleemis
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 "Baselios Cleemis". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baselios_Cleemis.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Cardinal Baselios Cleemis". Vatican Press. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinali_biografie/cardinali_bio_baselios_c.html.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Honour for Baselios Cleemis Catholicos". New Indian Express. 2021-03-07. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2021/mar/07/honour-for-baselios-cleemis-catholicos-2272778.html.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, Kerala’s Representative In Pope Election, Heads To Vatican". ABP Live. 2025-04-22. https://news.abplive.com/india/cardinal-baselios-cleemis-kerala-representative-pope-election-vatican-1592460.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Posts found on X, April 2025
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 "His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis". Malankara Catholic Church. https://malankaracatholicchurch.in/leadership/his-beatitude-baselios-cardinal-cleemis/.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal". UCA News. https://www.ucanews.com/directory/bishops/cardinal-baselios-cleemis-thottunkal/577.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Cardinal Baselios Cleemis". College of Cardinals Report. 2024-11-23. https://collegeofcardinalsreport.com/cardinals/cardinal-baselios-cleemis/.