Sun Jan 12 06:06:06 UTC 2025: ## New Archbishop Arrives Amidst Ongoing Church Dispute in Kochi
**KOCHI, January 12, 2025** – Archbishop Joseph Pamplany, the newly appointed Metropolitan vicar of the Syro-Malabar Church, arrived at the Archbishop’s House in Kochi on Sunday under a heavy police presence. His arrival follows the conclusion of the church’s 33rd synod, where his appointment and the resignation of Bishop Bosco Puthur (on health grounds) were announced.
The Archbishop’s arrival coincided with a group of rebel priests remaining inside the Archbishop’s House after a Saturday standoff with police. Archbishop Pamplany is seen by many as a potential mediator in the ongoing dispute within the Archdiocese over Mass liturgy. His arrival is expected to mark the beginning of his new role as vicar to Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil. The police maintained a strong presence, restricting access to the premises.
First Piper 