George Alencherry

{{Short description|Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church from 2011 to 2023}} {{Use Indian English|date=October 2015}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}} {{Infobox Christian leader | type = Cardinal  | honorific_prefix = [[Mar (title)|Mar]] | name = George Alencherry | title = {{ubl | [[Major Archbishop|Major Archbishop Emeritus]] of the [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Church]] | [[Cardinal-Priest]] of [[San Bernardo alle Terme]] }} | image = Mar George Alencherry Syro-Malabar.jpg | caption = Alencherry in 2024 | church = {{ubl | [[Catholic Church]] | [[Syro-Malabar Church]]}} | see = [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Major Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly|Major Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly]] | appointed = | elected = 24 May 2011 | enthroned = 29 May 2011 | term_start = 29 May 2011 | term_end = 7 December 2023 | predecessor = [[Varkey Vithayathil]] | successor = [[Raphael Thattil]] | other_post =  | ordination = 18 December 1972 | ordained_by = [[Antony Padiyara]] | consecration = 2 February 1997 | consecrated_by = [[Joseph Powathil]] | cardinal = 18 February 2012 | rank = {{ubl | [[Major archbishop]] | [[Cardinal priest]]}} | created_cardinal_by = [[Pope Benedict XVI]] | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1945|4|19|df=y}} | birth_place = Thuruthy, [[Travancore]], [[British India]] | religion =  | previous_post = {{indented plainlist| * [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Thuckalay|Bishop of Thuckalay]] (1997{{nbnd}}2011) }} | coat_of_arms =  | module = {{Ordination | denomination = Catholic Church | embed = yes |ordained deacon by = |date of diaconal ordination = |place of diaconal ordination = |ordained priest by =[[Antony Padiyara]] |date of priestly ordination = 18 December 1972 |place of priestly ordination = |consecrated by = [[Joseph Powathil]] |co-consecrators = Lawrence Ephraem Thottam, Mathew Vattackuzhy |date of consecration = 2 February 1997 |place of consecration = |elevated by = |date of elevation = |sources = <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/balenc.html |title=George Cardinal Alencherry |website=[[Catholic-Hierarchy.org]] |publisher=David M. Cheney |access-date=22 January 2024 |date=31 December 2023 |archive-date=8 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208075530/https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/balenc.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |bishop 1 = [[Kuriakose Bharanikulangara]] |consecration date 1 = 2012 |bishop 2 = [[George Rajendran Kuttinadar]] |consecration date 2 = 2012 |bishop 3 = [[George Madathikandathil]] |consecration date 3 = 2013 |bishop 4 = [[Joseph Kollamparampil]] |consecration date 4 = 2013 |bishop 5 = [[Jose Puthenveettil]] |consecration date 5 = 2013 |bishop 6 = [[John Alappat]] |consecration date 6 = 2014 |bishop 7 = [[Ephrem Nariculam]] |consecration date 7 = 2014 |bishop 8 = [[Joseph Kodakallil]] |consecration date 8 = 2015 |bishop 9 = [[Jose Kalluvelil]] |consecration date 9 = 2015 |bishop 10 = [[Antony Prince Panengaden]] |consecration date 10 = 2015 |bishop 11 = [[Joseph Srampickal]] |consecration date 11 = 2016 |bishop 12 = [[Stephen Chirappanath]] |consecration date 12 = 2016 |bishop 13 = [[Sebastian Vaniyapurackal]] |consecration date 13 = 2017 |bishop 14 = [[Sebastian Pozholiparampil]] |consecration date 14 = 2017 |bishop 15 = [[John Nellikunnel]] |consecration date 15 = 2018 |bishop 16 = [[James Athikalam]] |consecration date 16 = 2018 |bishop 17 = [[Vincent Nellaiparambil]] |consecration date 17 = 2019 |bishop 18 = [[Joseph Kollamparambil]] |consecration date 18 = 2022 |bishop 19 = [[Thomas Padiyath]] |consecration date 19 = 2022 |bishop 20 = [[John Panamthottathil]] |consecration date 20 = 2023 |bishop 21 = [[Mathew Nellikunnel]] |consecration date 21 = 2023}} }} '''George Alencherry''' ({{langx|syr|ܓܹܝܘܲܪܓܝܼܣ ܐܵܠܲܢܫܹ̰ܝܪܝ|Gīwargīs Ālancēri}}; born 19 April 1945) is a [[Cardinal (Catholic Church)|cardinal]] and the former [[Major Archbishop]] of the [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Church]] after serving in the position from 2011 to 2023.

He was elected by the Holy Synod of the Syro-Malabar Church in 2011 to succeed [[Varkey Vithayathil]] (1999–2011). He was created a [[Cardinal (Catholicism)|cardinal]] on 18 February 2012 by [[Pope Benedict XVI]]. He was the first bishop of [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Thuckalay|Thuckalay]] from 1997 to 2011 before his enthronement as the major archbishop.

== Early life and career== George Alencherry was born on 19 April 1945,<ref>{{cite journal|title=The Anaphoral Genesis of the Institution Narrative in Light of the Anaphora of Addai and Mari|url=https://www.academia.edu/12388908|editor-first=Cesare|editor-last=Giraudo|publisher=Edizioni Orientalia Christiana|journal=Hugoye Journal of Syriac Studies|access-date=29 December 2021|archive-date=29 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229111609/https://www.academia.edu/12388908|url-status=live}}</ref> the sixth of ten children born to Mary and Philipose Alencherry, in Thuruthy.{{efn|Two of his brothers are priests and one sister is a nun.<ref>{{cite news | access-date = 13 December 2023 | first = Mathew | last = Manoj | newspaper = Deccan Chronicle | date= 19 February 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120218233316/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/nation/south/mar-george-alencherry-prince-church-616 | archive-date = 18 February 2012 | title = Mar George Alencherry Prince of Church| url = https://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/nation/south/mar-george-alencherry-prince-church-616}}</ref>}} Geevarghese is his [[baptismal name]].{{efn|[[Geevarghese]] is a Syriac–Malayalam variant of George.}} Alencherry attended primary school at St Mary's School in Thuruthy and then [[St. Berchmans Higher Secondary School|St. Berchman's High School]] in [[Changanacherry]]. In 1961 he entered the archdiocesan minor seminary at Parel, Changanacherry. While he studied there, he obtained his [[Bachelor of Arts|bachelor's degree]] in economics from [[St. Berchmans College]] in Changanacherry. He completed his philosophy and theology studies at St. Joseph's Pontifical Seminary in [[Aluva]].<ref name=2012bio>{{cite news | access-date = 13 December 2023 | url = https://emalayalee.com/vartha/10398 | title = India's 11th cardinal appointed - Mar George Alencherry | date = 8 January 2012 | first = Ashraf | last = Padanna | publisher = emalayalee.com | archive-date = 12 December 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231212180629/https://emalayalee.com/vartha/10398 | url-status = live }}</ref>

On 18 December 1972, [[Antony Padiyara]], archbishop of [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Archeparchy of Changanacherry|Chanagancherry]], ordained him a priest at St. Mary's Church in Thuruthy for the archdiocese of Changanacherry. He continued his studies at the Pontifical Institute of Theology and Philosophy, earning a [[master's degree]] in the first rank. While Alencherry was studying in Aluva, he served as vicar of the filial church at Periyarmugham in the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly. After completing his studies at Aluva, Alencherry was appointed assistant vicar at the cathedral church of Changanacherry and Director of the Archdiocesan Faith Formation department. Thereafter he served three years as secretary of the Commission for Catechism of the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC). He then studied in Paris at [[Sorbonne University]] and the [[Institut Catholique de Paris|Catholic Institute]], where he obtained a doctorate in biblical theology. Returning to India in 1986, Alencherry was appointed director of the Pastoral Oriental Centre (POC) at Palarivattom and deputy secretary of KCBC, serving until 1993. During these years he was also a professor at [[St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary]] in Vadavathoor, where he continued until 1997. From 1994 to 1996 he was the [[protosyncellus]], roughly the equivalent of vicar general in the Latin church, of the archeparchy of Changanacherry.<ref name=2012bio/>

== Ecclesial service == ===Bishop of Thuckalay=== [[Pope John Paul II]] erected the [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Thuckalay|Diocese of Thuckalay]] by the [[papal bull]] ''Apud Indorum'' on 11 November 1996.<ref>{{cite book | pages = 745–6 | url = https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/AAS-89-1997-ocr.pdf | date = 1997 | volume = LXXXIX | title = Acta Apostolicae Sedis | access-date = 12 December 2023 | archive-date = 15 February 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200215120217/https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/AAS-89-1997-ocr.pdf | url-status = live }}</ref> It was formed by separating the territory of the [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Archdiocese of Changanassery|Archdiocese of Changanassery]] that included parts of the state of [[Tamil Nadu]]. Alencherry was appointed bishop of the new eparchy. The establishment of the diocese and Alencherry's appointment were promulgated on 18 December 1996. Alencherry was consecrated a bishop on 2 February 1997 by [[Joseph Powathil]], Metropolitan Archbishop of Changanassery, with Mathew Vattackuzhy, [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Kanjirappally|Bishop of Kanjirappally]], and Lawrence Aprem, [[Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy of Marthandom|Bishop of Marthandam]], as co-consecrators. He was installed as bishop on the same day by [[Varkey Vithayathil]], Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church.<ref>{{cite web| access-date= 23 May 2018| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110914080645/http://smcim.smonline.org/diocese_thuckalay.htm |title= Diocese of Thuckalay | url= http://smcim.smonline.org/diocese_thuckalay.htm | website= The Syro-Malabar Church| archive-date= 14 September 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Major Archbishop=== [[File:Mar George Alencherry with Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio.jpg|thumb|right|Archbishop [[Salvatore Pennacchio]], the Apostolic Nuncio to India, presents a gift to Alencherry during his installation as major archbishop.]] In May 2011, the bishops' synod of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church elected Alencherry to succeed [[Varkey Vithayathil]] as Major Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly and head of the Syro-Malabar Church.{{efn|The synod opened on 23 May, elected Alencherry, and received his assent. The request for papal approval was sent through the [[Apostolic Nunciature to India]] in [[New Delhi]]. Approval was granted on the evening of 25 May and announced to the synod on the morning of 26 May.<ref name=pdf20110526/>}} His election received papal approval and was announced simultaneously in Rome and at the synod on 26 May.<ref name=pdf20110526/><ref>{{cite press release | publisher= Holy See Press Office | language= it | date= 26 May 2011 | access-date= 23 May 2018 | title= Dalle Chiese Orientali: Conferma Dell'Elezione dell'Arcivesovo Maggiore di Ernakulam-Angamaly dei Siro-Malabresi (India) | url= http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2011/05/26/0323/00813.html | archive-date= 18 August 2021 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210818092917/https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2011/05/26/0323/00813.html | url-status= live }}</ref> He was the first head of the Syro-Malabar Church to be elected by its synod.<ref name=pdf20110526>{{cite press release | access-date=23 May 2018| url=http://www.ernakulamarchdiocese.org/admin/cms/docs/n_high/222.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130928055632/http://www.ernakulamarchdiocese.org/admin/cms/docs/n_high/222.pdf | archive-date=28 September 2013| url-status=dead|date=26 May 2011 | title= Mar George Alencherry (Bishop of Thuckalay) The new Syro-Malabar Major Archbishop | website= Archdiocese of Ernakulam }} The date of this document is not specified.</ref><ref name=cathnews2011>{{cite news| url= http://www.cathnewsindia.com/2011/05/26/bishop-alencherry-is-new-syro-malabar-church-head/ |title= Mar Alencherry is new Syro-Malabar Church head |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110529105858/http://www.cathnewsindia.com/2011/05/26/bishop-alencherry-is-new-syro-malabar-church-head |archive-date=29 May 2011 |url-status=dead | work= CathNews India | date=26 May 2011 | agency=UCA News}}</ref>{{efn|When [[Pope John Paul II]] raised the Syro-Malabar Church to the status of a Major Archiepiscopal Church in 1992, he reserved to himself the authority to appoint its bishops. Only in 2004 did the [[Holy See]] grant full administrative powers to the church, including the authority to elect its bishops.<ref name=cathnews2011/>}} Alencherry declared his service would be for all the people of India, stressing ecumenical relations among Christians and harmony with other religions.<ref name=cathnews2011/>

On 18 February 2012, [[Pope Benedict XVI]] elevated Alencherry to the rank of cardinal during a ceremony in [[Saint Peter's Basilica]],<ref>{{cite news | url = https://in.reuters.com/article/pope-consistory-cardinal-india/indias-george-alencherry-among-22-new-cardinals-inducted-by-pope-idINDEE81H04F20120218 | work = Reuters | access-date = 15 May 2018 | date = 18 February 2012 | first = Philip | last = Pullella | title = India's George Alencherry among 22 new cardinals inducted by Pope | archive-date = 3 January 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200103102555/https://in.reuters.com/article/pope-consistory-cardinal-india/indias-george-alencherry-among-22-new-cardinals-inducted-by-pope-idINDEE81H04F20120218 | url-status = dead }}</ref> creating him [[Cardinal-Priest]] of [[San Bernardo alle Terme]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/2012/documents/ns_lit_doc_20120218_titoli_it.html |title=Assegnazione dei Titoli e delle Diaconie ai nuovi Cardinali |date=18 February 2012 |website=[[Holy See|The Holy See]] |publisher=[[Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff|Ufficio delle Celebrazioni Liturgiche del Sommo Pontefice]] |language=it |trans-title=Assignment of Titles and Deaconries to the new Cardinals |access-date=12 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160721205521/https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/2012/documents/ns_lit_doc_20120218_titoli_it.html |archive-date=21 July 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|Earlier cardinals belonging to the [[Syro Malabar Church|Syro-Malabar Catholic Church]] were [[Joseph Parecattil]] (28 April 1969), [[Antony Padiyara]] (28 June 1988) and [[Varkey Vithayathil]] (21 February 2001).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.maralencherry.smcim.org/index.php | website = The Syro-Malabar Church Internet Mission | title =Cardinal George Alencherry, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church | access-date = 9 December 2023 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230515102815/http://www.maralencherry.smcim.org/ | archive-date = 15 May 2023 }}</ref>}}

Alencherry's visit to [[Rome]] for that consistory coincided with the arrest of Italian merchant marine officers on board the [[Enrica Lexie]] who shot and killed two Kerala fishermen on a fishing vessel.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.deccanherald.com/content/228442/enrica-lexie-crew-arrested.html | work = Deccan News | access-date = 15 May 2018 | date = 19 February 2012 | title = Enrica Lexie Crew Arrested | archive-date = 20 January 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210120110422/https://www.deccanherald.com/content/228442/enrica-lexie-crew-arrested.html | url-status = live }}</ref> Alencherry provided a statement to the Italian news service [[Agenzia Fides]] that "This episode must be investigated: if there is a guilty action, it must be treated legally and the guilty must be punished. We must fully respect truth and justice." He denied any interest in serving as a mediator.<ref>{{cite news | work = Agenzia Fides | access-date = 15 May 2018 | language = it | date = 22 February 2012 | title = Pescatori uccisi in Kerala: il Card. Alencherry difende "verità e giustizia" | url = http://www.fides.org/it/news/38485-ASIA_INDIA_Pescatori_uccisi_in_Kerala_il_Card_Alencherry_difende_verita_e_giustizia | archive-date = 6 January 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200106074555/http://www.fides.org/it/news/38485-ASIA_INDIA_Pescatori_uccisi_in_Kerala_il_Card_Alencherry_difende_verita_e_giustizia | url-status = live }}</ref> He had previously been quoted accusing some Kerala politicians of exploiting the incident for their own purposes and seemed to suggest he was actively seeking to resolve the dispute.<ref>{{cite news | language = it | access-date = 15 May 2018 | work = Corriere del Mezzogiorno | url = https://corrieredelmezzogiorno.corriere.it/napoli/notizie/cronaca/2012/21-febbraio-2012/maro-pugliesi-arcivescovo-alencherryconfido-aiuto-alcuni-ministri-1903376811404.shtml | date = 21 February 2012 | title = Marò pugliesi, l'arcivescovo Alencherry: "Confido nell'aiuto di alcuni ministri" | archive-date = 15 May 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180515185213/https://corrieredelmezzogiorno.corriere.it/napoli/notizie/cronaca/2012/21-febbraio-2012/maro-pugliesi-arcivescovo-alencherryconfido-aiuto-alcuni-ministri-1903376811404.shtml | url-status = live }}</ref> Upon his return to India, he expressed unreserved sympathy for the families of the dead fishermen and ascribed any other misunderstandings to misquotes by Fides.<ref>{{cite news | access-date = 15 May 2018 | work = First Post | url = http://www.firstpost.com/fwire/cardinal-alencherry-back-says-he-shares-grief-of-fishermens-families-233058.html | title = Cardinal Alencherry back says he shares grief of fishermen's families | date = 3 March 2012 | archive-date = 18 February 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200218045951/https://www.firstpost.com/fwire/cardinal-alencherry-back-says-he-shares-grief-of-fishermens-families-233058.html | url-status = live }}</ref>

On 24 April 2012, Alencherry was made a member of the [[Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith]] and of the [[Congregation for the Oriental Churches|Congregation for the Oriental Catholic Churches]].<ref>{{cite press release | archive-date =23 April 2012 | publisher =Holy See Press Office | url =http://press.catholica.va/news_services/bulletin/news/29094.php | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120423194543/http://press.catholica.va/news_services/bulletin/news/29094.php | language =it | title =Rinunce e Nomine, 24.04.2012 | url-status =dead | access-date =21 April 2012}}</ref>

Alencherry participated as a [[Cardinal electors for the papal conclave, 2013|cardinal-elector]] in the [[Papal conclave, 2013|2013 conclave]] that elected [[Pope Francis]].<ref>{{cite news | url = https://zenit.org/articles/list-of-cardinal-electors/ | work = Zenit | access-date = 15 May 2018 | date = 12 March 2013 | title = List of Cardinal Electors | archive-date = 6 April 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190406032226/https://zenit.org/articles/list-of-cardinal-electors/ | url-status = live }}</ref> During the conclave, Alencherry was one of the four cardinal-electors from outside the [[Latin Church]] who wore different vestments, proper to their respective churches.<ref name="YouTube procession">{{youTube|id=cTtzyr5sBkc|title=Procession and entrance in Conclave}}</ref>{{efn|The others were Coptic Catholic Patriarch-Emeritus [[Antonios Naguib]], Maronite Patriarch [[Bechara Boutros al-Rahi]], and Syro-Malankara Major Archbishop [[Baselios Cleemis]].}}

Following a series of [[Violence against Christians in India|attacks on Catholic properties]], on 17 February 2015 Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]], speaking at a ceremony celebrating two new Indian saints, expressed strong support for "equal respect for all religions" and denounced sectarian violence, but Alencherry warned that proposed anti-conversion legislation contradicted that rhetoric.<ref>{{cite news | access-date = 9 December 2023 | url = https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/minority-or-majority-pm-s-message/cid/1473510 | newspaper = The Telegraph (India) | date = 18 February 2015 | title = Minority or majority, PM's message | archive-date = 8 December 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231208225219/https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/minority-or-majority-pm-s-message/cid/1473510 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=17 February 2015|title=Modi vows to uphold freedom of faith, stand against hatred|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/modi-vows-to-uphold-freedom-of-faith-stand-against-hatred/story-Ky2jyUSqikBrQaMQCXnWVL.html|access-date=23 November 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=23 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123153400/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/modi-vows-to-uphold-freedom-of-faith-stand-against-hatred/story-Ky2jyUSqikBrQaMQCXnWVL.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

He underwent angioplasty on 8 December 2017.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cardinal Alencherry undergoes angioplasty, prayers requested |url=http://mattersindia.com/2017/12/cardinal-alencherry-undergoes-angioplasty-prayers-requested/ |access-date=27 June 2018 |work=Matters India |date=9 December 2017 |archive-date=3 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103102555/http://mattersindia.com/2017/12/cardinal-alencherry-undergoes-angioplasty-prayers-requested/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[File:Mar George Cardinal Alencherry.jpg|thumb]] An internal investigation by the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly determined it had suffered large losses on speculative real estate deals made by Alencherry without adhering to procedural safeguards. The archeparchy's priests' council called on the pope to take action against Alencherry and in February 2018 the Synod of the Syro-Malabar Church, apparently with Alencherry in agreement,<ref>{{cite news | access-date = 13 December 2023 | work = Crux | url = https://cruxnow.com/global-church/2018/06/documents-detail-vatican-crackdown-in-troubled-indian-archdiocese | title = Documents detail Vatican crackdown in troubled Indian archdiocese | date = 23 June 2018 | first = John L. | last = Allen Jr. | archive-date = 12 December 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231212215908/https://cruxnow.com/global-church/2018/06/documents-detail-vatican-crackdown-in-troubled-indian-archdiocese | url-status = live }}</ref> withdrew Alencherry's authority over the archeparchy's administrative and economic affairs. It allowed him to continue to exercise his pastoral and liturgical roles.<ref name=times2018>{{cite news | access-date = 13 December 2023 | url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/land-row-leads-to-transfer-of-power/articleshow/62867327.cms | newspaper = Times of India | title = Land row leads to transfer of power | date = 11 February 2018 | archive-date = 9 December 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231209064455/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/land-row-leads-to-transfer-of-power/articleshow/62867327.cms | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | language = fr | access-date = 13 December 2023 | newspaper = La Croix | url = https://www.la-croix.com/Religion/Catholicisme/Monde/En-Inde-cardinal-Alencherry-dessaisi-diocese-2018-06-25-1200949959 | title = En Inde, le cardinal Alencherry dessaisi de son diocèse | date = 25 June 2018 | first = Claire | last = Lesegretain | archive-date = 12 December 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231212215909/https://www.la-croix.com/Religion/Catholicisme/Monde/En-Inde-cardinal-Alencherry-dessaisi-diocese-2018-06-25-1200949959 | url-status = live }}</ref> From that time until his resignation, responsibility for the archeparchy's financial affairs passed to a series of prelates named by the Synod or Pope Francis.{{efn|The Synod first assigned responsibility to auxiliary bishop [[Sebastian Adayanthrath]].<ref name=times2018/> On 22 June 2018, Pope Francis appointed the Bishop of Palgath, [[Jacob Manathodath]], as apostolic administrator,<ref>{{cite press release | date = 22 June 2018 | access-date = 13 December 2023 | url = https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2018/06/22/180622c.html | publisher = Holy See Press Office | title = Resignations and Appointments, 22.06.2018 | archive-date = 12 December 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231212210434/https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2018/06/22/180622c.html | url-status = live }}</ref> terminating that appointment on 27 June 2019.<ref>{{cite press release | access-date = 13 December 2023 | publisher = Holy See Press Office | date = 27 June 2019 | url = https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2019/06/27/190627b.html | title = Resignations and Appointments, 27.06.2019 | archive-date = 16 January 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200116123537/https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2019/06/27/190627b.html | url-status = live }}</ref> In August 2019, the Synod in turn named [[Antony Kariyil]], Bishop of Mandya, as vicar to assist Alencherry.<ref>{{cite press release | url = https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2019/08/30/190830c.html | access-date = 13 December 2023 | date = 30 August 2019 | publisher = Holy See Press Office | title = From the Oriental Churches, 30.08.2019 | archive-date = 12 December 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231212213630/https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2019/08/30/190830c.html | url-status = live }}</ref> Upon Kariyil's retirement on 30 July 2022, Pope Francis again appointed an apostolic administrator, the Archbishop of Trichur, [[Andrews Thazhath]].<ref>{{cite press release | access-date = 13 December 2023 | title = Resignations and Appointments, 30.07.2022 | date = 30 July 2022 | url = https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2022/07/30/220730a.html | publisher = Holy See Press Office | archive-date = 9 June 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230609121520/https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2022/07/30/220730a.html | url-status = live }}</ref> Thazhath's role ended with Alencherry's resignation as major archbishop.}}

In December 2019 Alencherry was elected head of the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council, a state-wide organization of Catholic bishops. This move subsequently met with criticism from a section of believers in the Church owing to accusations of corruption against him in a land deal case from 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-12-06|title=Row erupts as Cardinal Alencherry made president of Kerala Catholic Bishops Council|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/row-erupts-cardinal-alencherry-made-president-kerala-catholic-bishops-council-113605|access-date=2021-11-23|website=The News Minute|language=en|archive-date=23 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123150705/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/row-erupts-cardinal-alencherry-made-president-kerala-catholic-bishops-council-113605|url-status=live}}</ref> As president of the Kerala Catholic Bishop's Conference, he made all Catholic hospitals open and available for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}

In December 2019 Alencherry called upon the [[Union government]] to reconsider the [[Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019]], saying the act lacked clarity in many areas. He said "The problems should not become communal. There should be no conflict between religions or between states." and said that he hoped the government would introduce a mitigated version of the same act.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mar Alencherry asks Centre to go for a rethink on CAA|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2019/dec/24/mar-alencherry-asks-centre-to-go-for-a-rethink-on-caa-2080106.html|access-date=23 November 2021|date=24 December 2019|website=The New Indian Express|archive-date=23 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123135731/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2019/dec/24/mar-alencherry-asks-centre-to-go-for-a-rethink-on-caa-2080106.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Alencherry received a pamphlet distributed by the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) supporting the CAA in January 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-01-07|title=Cardinal Alencherry draws flak for receiving pro-CAA pamphlet from BJP|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/cardinal-alencherry-draws-flak-receiving-pro-caa-pamphlet-bjp-115558|access-date=2021-11-23|website=The News Minute|language=en|archive-date=17 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117191233/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/cardinal-alencherry-draws-flak-receiving-pro-caa-pamphlet-bjp-115558|url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2021 Cardinal Alencherry along with Cardinals [[Baselios Cleemis]] and [[Oswald Gracias]], were received by [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] and conveyed the grievances of the Christian community.<ref>{{Cite web|title=PM Modi holds talks with cardinals, may invite Pope|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2021/jan/20/pm-modi-holds-talks-with-cardinalsmay-invite-pope-2252434.html|access-date=2021-11-23|website=The New Indian Express|date=20 January 2021 |archive-date=23 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123153402/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2021/jan/20/pm-modi-holds-talks-with-cardinalsmay-invite-pope-2252434.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

He announced his resignation as the major archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church on 7 December 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 December 2023 |title=Mar George Alenchery steps down as Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2023/12/07/syro-malabar-church-cardinal-alencherry-steps-down-as-archbishop.html |access-date=7 December 2023 |website=Onmanorama |archive-date=7 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180823/https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2023/12/07/syro-malabar-church-cardinal-alencherry-steps-down-as-archbishop.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Pope Francis' letter accepting his resignation, dated 29 November, was made public the same day.<ref>{{cite press release | access-date = 9 December 2023 | url = https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2023/12/07/231207d.html | date = 7 December 2023 | publisher = Holy See Press Office | title = Letter of the Holy Father to His Beatitude Mar George Cardinal Alencherry, 07.12.2023 | archive-date = 8 December 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231208220624/https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2023/12/07/231207d.html | url-status = live }}</ref>

==Views== ===Extending the jurisdiction of the Syro-Malabar Church=== In 2011, Alencherry called for the erection of "a territorial jurisdiction covering the whole territory of India" so the Syro-Malabar Church could serve its growing communities in India's largest cities. He called it "one of our appeals to the Holy Father" and presented an argument based on colonialist usurpation of ancient rights. He said:<ref name=apostles>{{cite news | url=http://www.30giorni.it/articoli_id_78071_l3.htm | work=30 Giorni | title=Ours is the faith of the apostles, handed down by St Thomas | first1=Roberto | last1=Rotondo | first2=Gianni | last2=Valente | date=1 October 2011 | access-date=23 May 2018 | archive-date=20 May 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170520170714/http://www.30giorni.it/articoli_id_78071_l3.htm | url-status=live }}</ref> {{Blockquote|We believe it is our right. Before the arrival of Western missionaries – the Portuguese arrived in the sixteenth century – the jurisdiction of us 'Catholic Christians among St Thomas' was extended to all of India. Then the Western missionaries, because of the influence of European monarchs, took jurisdiction of India, restricting ours to the areas where we were more concentrated.}} Pope Francis responded in October 2017 with the creation of the [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Shamshabad|Eparchy of Shamshabad]] to encompass all the areas of India not otherwise included within the jurisdiction of an existing eparchy.<ref name=pr20171010>{{cite press release | publisher = Holy See Press Office | date = 10 October 2017 | url = https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2017/10/10/171010d.html | access-date = 24 May 2018 | title = Provisions for the Syro-Malabar Church, 10.10.2017 | archive-date = 10 April 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180410011104/http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2017/10/10/171010d.html | url-status = live }}</ref> The new eparchy's inauguration in 2018 was greeted as "a historic victory"<ref>{{cite news | access-date = 11 December 2023 | newspaper = Indian Express | date = 7 January 2018 | title = Kerala church gets back all-India jurisdiction with Shamshabad diocese | url = https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kerala-church-gets-back-all-india-jurisdiction-with-shamshabad-diocese-5015260/ | archive-date = 11 December 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231211032010/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kerala-church-gets-back-all-india-jurisdiction-with-shamshabad-diocese-5015260/ | url-status = live }}</ref> and in December 2020 it was made a suffragan of Alencherry's archeparchy.<ref>{{cite web | access-date = 11 December 2023 | website = GCatholic | url = http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/sham0.htm | title = Syro-Malabar Diocese of Shamshabad | archive-date = 5 April 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230405221541/http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/sham0.htm | url-status = live }}</ref>

===Christian unity and Petrine ministry=== {{Blockquote|text=The Catholic Church through the [[Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity|Council for Christian Unity]], has already begun a dialogue on the primacy. I think we should continue the dialogue and seek a common agreement with the Eastern Churches, as there was in the first four centuries of Christianity. At that time there was a common understanding of the primacy. Now the Orthodox Church argues that it is impossible to go back to theology before the Council of Chalcedon because we do not possess any documents from that era. But I think that from the documents and statements subsequent to the time of Chalcedon there would be the possibility of dialogue and agreement on the Petrine ministry. Because there is the phrase ''primus inter pares''. We all need a Petrine ministry of unity, which is a reference for all the Churches. I hope that a halfway point is found where the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches could come together in full communion with the Church of Christ. |author=George Alencherry |source=2011<ref name=apostles/> }}

==Controversies== ===Liturgy unification and Latinisation dispute=== ====Historical overview==== The Syro-Malabar liturgy was in a heavily [[liturgical Latinisation|Latinised]] state following the [[Synod of Diamper]] in 1599. [[Archdiocese of Angamaly]], the ancient metropolitan see of the Syro-Malabar Church, was degraded as a suffragan diocese of the Padroado Latin Catholic Archdiocese of Goa and its all India jurisdiction was abolished. Although [[Syriac language|Syriac]] was retained as the [[sacred language]], the [[liturgical book]]s were modified to closely resemble the [[Roman Rite]]. For over three centuries, the Malabar Catholics were administered by Latin hierarchy. The cultural hegemony was generally supported by the papacy and the [[propaganda congregation]].

From 1934 onwards, popes encouraged a process of returning to the original liturgical traditions which resulted in divergence of opinion among Syro-Malabar Catholics. Following the [[Second Vatican Council]], the Archdiocese of Ernakulam–under the leadership of [[Joseph Parecattil]]–and its [[ecclesiastical province]] changed as in the universal Church to a rubric in the celebration of the Mass [[versus populum]]. The Archdiocese advocated for a unified, Indianised (including the adoption of selected Indian customs for the Syro-Malabar Church. This move was opposed by the [[Congregation for the Oriental Churches]] and the Archdiocese of Changanacherry. This created liturgical and ideological disunity within the Syro-Malabar Church.

In 1992, the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church was elevated to the status of a [[Major Archbishop|major archiepiscopal]] church with Ernakulam as the primatal see. In 1999, the Synod of the Syro-Malabar Church led by its then-Major Archbishop [[Varkey Vithayathil]], drew up a formula of rubric (50:50) by incorporating the views of both factions. The new pattern of Mass celebration came to be known as the Synodal Form with pre-[[Anaphora (liturgy)|Anaphoral]] and post-Anaphoral part in versus populum and the [[Anaphora (liturgy)|Anaphora]] celebrated [[ad orientem]]. However the formula was rejected by the priests and laities of some dioceses, starting from that of [[Jacob Thoomkuzhy]]. Major Archbishop Varkey Vithayathil himself was forced to sign dispensation in his archdiocese, Ernakulam-Angamaly.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Syro-Malabar Rite Debates Liturgical Patrimony |url=https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/syromalabar-rite-debates-liturgical-patrimony-11059 |access-date=2022-04-04 |website=EWTN Global Catholic Television Network |language=en |archive-date=28 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528012458/https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/syromalabar-rite-debates-liturgical-patrimony-11059 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |title=The Quest for Identity: The Syro-Malabar Church and Its Rite |publisher=Thrissur Institute of Theology |year=1992 |location=Thrissur|first=Andrews|last=Thazhath|author-link=Andrews Thazhath}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |title=Problem of latinization : no exit? |year=2017 |first=Thomas |last=Koonammakkal |oclc=1241650260 |author-link=Thomas Koonammakkal }}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |first=Sebastian P. |last=Brock |author-link=Sebastian Brock |title=Malabar Catholic Church |encyclopedia=Gorgias Encyclopedic Dictionary of the Syriac Heritage: Electronic Edition |editor1=Sebastian P. Brock |editor2=Aaron M. Butts |editor3=George A. Kiraz |editor4=Lucas Van Rompay |url=https://gedsh.bethmardutho.org/Malabar-Catholic-Church |publisher=Gorgias Press |year=2011 |access-date=22 September 2016 |archive-date=8 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208025057/https://gedsh.bethmardutho.org/Malabar-Catholic-Church |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Perczel|first=István|author-link=István Perczel|title=Some New Documents on the Struggle of the Saint Thomas Christians to Maintain the Chaldaean Rite and Jurisdiction|url=https://www.academia.edu/5266468|editor1=Peter Bruns|editor2=Heinz Otto Luthe|journal=Orientalia Christiana: Festschrift für Hubert Kaufhold zum 70. Geburtstag; pp. 415-436|publisher=Harrassowitz Verlag|location=Wiesbaden|year=2013|access-date=4 April 2022|archive-date=22 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922030509/https://www.academia.edu/5266468|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Vadakkekara|first=Benedict|title=Origin of Christianity in India: A Historiographical Critique|year=2007|location=Delhi|publisher=Media House|isbn=9788174952585|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7f3YAAAAMAAJ|access-date=4 April 2022|archive-date=25 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125210225/https://books.google.com/books?id=7f3YAAAAMAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first=Paul |last=Pallath |title =Roman Pontifical into Syriac and the Beginning of Liturgical Reform in the Syro-Malabar Church: History of the Revision and publication of the Chaldean and Syro-Malabar Pontifical |publisher= OIRSI |location=Kottayam |year= 2012 |isbn=9788188456864|url=https://archive.org/details/RomanPontificalIntoSyriac}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first=Xavier |last=Koodapuzha |author-link=Xavier Koodopuzha |title =Roman Documents on the Syro-Malabar Liturgy |publisher= Oriental Institute of Religious Studies |location=Kottayam |year= 1995 |isbn=9788186063491 |url=https://archive.org/details/romandocumentson0000xavi}}</ref>

====Attempts by Alencherry==== Alencherry, from the date of his installation, emphasised the need for the rubrical uniformity in the celebration of the Mass and expressed that it was his most important task. However, his attempts were met with protests from the diocesan priests and laity of the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly. Meanwhile, George Alencherry was successful in persuading the Synod of the Syro-Malabar Church to legislate on rubrical uniformity (as known as 50:50 formula) and in bringing more dioceses into the implementation of the decision made in 1999. The Synod in 2020 approved the revised form of the liturgy and it was confirmed in 2021, both by the pope and the Synod. Meanwhile, protests erupted in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly led by a number of priests and laities. This was followed by the land scam allegation which led to the installation of Antony Kariyil as the metropolitan vicar of the major archbishop. The metropolitan vicar, being responsible for the ordinary administration of the archdiocese, met the pope in November 2021 and issued an order of dispensation from the decision made by the synod on the question of the rubric versus populum, in the disguise of having papal accent. Initially, some other dioceses also followed the same path but later revoked the dispensation, following explicit rebuke from the Holy See. Antony Kariyil was later forced to resign but the major section of the priests of Ernakulam-Angamaly continues their dissent, thus in effect maintaining the rubric versus populum in the celebration of the Mass, albeit illicitly.<ref>{{Cite web |agency=TNN |date=Nov 28, 2021 |title=Kerala: Dispute over uniformity in the celebration of the Mass intensified {{!}} Kochi News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/dispute-over-unified-mass-intensifies/articleshow/87954861.cms |access-date=2022-04-04 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=28 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528100534/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/dispute-over-unified-mass-intensifies/articleshow/87954861.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Vatican backs Eastern Church decision on Indian liturgical dispute - UCA News |url=https://www.ucanews.com/news/vatican-backs-eastern-church-decision-on-indian-liturgical-dispute/96468 |access-date=2022-04-04 |website=ucanews.com |language=en |archive-date=4 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404093512/https://www.ucanews.com/news/vatican-backs-eastern-church-decision-on-indian-liturgical-dispute/96468 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Indian Church's bitter liturgical dispute brings street protest - UCA News |url=https://www.ucanews.com/news/indian-churchs-bitter-liturgical-dispute-brings-street-protest/94970 |access-date=2022-04-04 |website=ucanews.com |language=en |archive-date=28 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528041057/https://www.ucanews.com/news/indian-churchs-bitter-liturgical-dispute-brings-street-protest/94970 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Syro-Malabar 'uniform' liturgy continues to divide |url=https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Syro-Malabar-uniform-liturgy-continues-to-divide-54610.html |access-date=2022-04-04 |website=www.asianews.it |language=en |archive-date=4 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404093846/https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Syro-Malabar-uniform-liturgy-continues-to-divide-54610.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Syro-Malabars, laymen burn dummies of two cardinals over liturgy dispute |url=https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Syro-Malabars,-laymen-burn-dummies-of-two-cardinals-over-liturgy-dispute-55396.html |access-date=2022-04-04 |website=www.asianews.it |language=en |archive-date=4 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404093844/https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Syro-Malabars,-laymen-burn-dummies-of-two-cardinals-over-liturgy-dispute-55396.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-11-13 |title=Liturgical controversy worsens in Syro-Malabar Church |url=https://mattersindia.com/2021/11/liturgical-controversy-worsens-in-syro-malabar-church/ |access-date=2022-04-04 |website=Matters India |language=en-US |archive-date=23 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123203554/https://mattersindia.com/2021/11/liturgical-controversy-worsens-in-syro-malabar-church/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Vatican backs Syro-Malabar Church decision on liturgical dispute {{!}} News Headlines |url=https://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=54168 |access-date=2022-04-04 |website=www.catholicculture.org |archive-date=4 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404085321/https://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=54168 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-11-21 |title=Syro-Malabar church still divided over uniform Mass |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/syro-malabar-church-still-divided-over-uniform-mass/article37611166.ece |access-date=2022-04-04 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=4 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404094305/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/syro-malabar-church-still-divided-over-uniform-mass/article37611166.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Church deplores |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250721/catholic-archdiocese-deplores-burning-of-cardinals-effigies-at-syro-malabar-uniform-liturgy-protest |access-date=2022-04-04 |website=[[Catholic News Agency]] |archive-date=4 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404205452/https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250721/catholic-archdiocese-deplores-burning-of-cardinals-effigies-at-syro-malabar-uniform-liturgy-protest |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Syro-Malabar holy mass controversy: Clashes erupt in front of Bishop house |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/syro-malabar-holy-mass-controversy-clashes-erupt-between-believers-in-front-of-bishop-house-1.7277762 |access-date=2022-04-04 |website=English.Mathrubhumi |date=20 February 2022 |language=en |archive-date=4 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404100256/https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/syro-malabar-holy-mass-controversy-clashes-erupt-between-believers-in-front-of-bishop-house-1.7277762 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 5, 2021 |first=Jeemon |last=Jacob |title=Syro-Malabar Church crisis deepens, this time over liturgical practices |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/syro-malabar-church-crisis-deepens-this-time-over-liturgical-practices-1849479-2021-09-05 |access-date=2022-04-04 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=4 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404094305/https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/syro-malabar-church-crisis-deepens-this-time-over-liturgical-practices-1849479-2021-09-05 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Land deal Controversy and Ernakulam priests' revolt=== {{Main|Ernakulam Priests' Rebellion}} In March the city police initiated an investigation into the real estate transactions after a private citizen, a lay Catholic, lodged a complaint against Alencherry, two priests, and a real estate agent. The Kerala High Court observed that there was prima facie evidence to indicate criminal conspiracy, breach of trust and misappropriation of money.{{efn|The others accused were two senior archdiocesan officials, Father Joshy Puthuva and Father Sebastian Vadakkumpadan, and Kochi-based real estate agent Saju Varghese.<ref name=register/>}}<ref name="register">{{cite news | url = http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kochi-police-register-case-against-cardinal-george-alencherry/article23096600.ece | work = The Hindu | date = 12 March 2018 | first = K.A. | last = Martin | title = Kochi police register case against Cardinal George Alencherry | access-date = 26 June 2018 | archive-date = 17 February 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200217191941/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kochi-police-register-case-against-cardinal-george-alencherry/article23096600.ece | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scroll.in/article/print/864015|title=Kerala: Secret land deal may unseat Cardinal George Alencherry, head of Syro-Malabar Catholic Church|access-date=24 July 2019|archive-date=24 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724041118/https://scroll.in/article/print/864015|url-status=live}}</ref> A single bench judge of Kerala High Court found the complainant had standing to bring the lawsuit because the property at issue was not private property, but assets held in trust with Alencherry as caretaker.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/hc-orders-fir-against-syro-malabar-church-head-over-land-deals/article22949166.ece | work = The Hindu BusinessLine | title = HC orders FIR against Syro-Malabar church head over land deals | date = 6 March 2018 | access-date = 26 June 2018 | archive-date = 25 January 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240125210228/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/hc-orders-fir-against-syro-malabar-church-head-over-land-deals/article22949166.ece | url-status = live }}</ref> On 16 March 2018, the division bench of Kerala High Court stayed a court order requiring the police investigation because the complainant had sought the order without first allowing the police{{efn|The police are referred to locally as the SHO or [[station house officer]].}} to follow their procedures and removed some verbal comments of the single judge abusing ecclesiastical powers of the head of the church.<ref>{{cite news| url = http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2018/mar/16/syro-malabar-church-land-case-kerala-high-court-stays-probe-against-church-head-over-land-deals-1788141.html| date = 16 March 2018| title = Syro Malabar church land case: Kerala High Court stays probe against Cardinal George Alencherry| work = The New Indian Express| access-date = 26 March 2018}}{{dead link|date=February 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Later that month, a group of 90 priests out of 400 staged a street demonstration calling on Alencherry to stand aside, pending resolution of the legal procedure, while more than 200 lay Catholics responded with a demonstration in support of Alencherry. The Vatican's proper role and its failure to intervene was decried and defended as well.<ref name="blamed">{{cite news | url = http://india.ucanews.com/news/vatican-blamed-for-turmoil-in-easternrite-indian-church/36879/daily | title = Vatican blamed for turmoil in Syro-Malabar Church | access-date = 26 June 2018 | work = UCAN India | date = 19 March 2018 | archive-date = 26 June 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180626220515/http://india.ucanews.com/news/vatican-blamed-for-turmoil-in-easternrite-indian-church/36879/daily | url-status = dead }}</ref>

On 22 June 2018, Pope Francis named [[Jacob Manathodath]], Bishop of [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Palghat|Palghat]] the Apostolic Administrator ''seda plena'' of the Archieparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly under the recommendation of Alencherry.<ref>{{cite press release|access-date=26 June 2018|date=22 June 2018|title=Resignations and Appointments, 22.06.2018|url=http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2018/06/22/180622c.html|publisher=Holy See Press Office|archive-date=25 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625185509/http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2018/06/22/180622c.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In April 2019, the Kakkanad Judicial First Class Magistrate Court filed a criminal complaint against Alencherry for breaches of the law and massive disparities in the church's land agreements. The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court ruled on 24 August 2019 that Alencherry, along with the former financial officer of the archdiocese and a real estate agent will face charges.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Cardinal Mar George Alencherry, two others must face trial in land-deal scam: Ernakulam court|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2019/aug/25/cardinal-mar-george-alencherry-two-others-must-face-trial-in-land-deal-scam-ernakulam-court-2023904.html|access-date=2021-11-20|website=The New Indian Express|date=24 August 2019 |archive-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120181604/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2019/aug/25/cardinal-mar-george-alencherry-two-others-must-face-trial-in-land-deal-scam-ernakulam-court-2023904.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Joseph Injodey commission, which was created by apostolic administrator bishop Jacob Manathodath to investigate the property dealings, submitted its findings in March 2019 to Bishop Manathodath, who would forward it to Cardinal Sandri, prefect of the Congregation for Oriental Churches in Rome. The [[Income Tax Department]] fined the Syro-Malabar Church's archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly Rs 3 crore for the contentious land purchases that occurred between April 2013 and March 2018. During the investigation, the department discovered that there were attempts to avoid tax in the land sale, and the plots were registered for lower amounts while the sale was done for greater amounts.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-04-02|title=Land deal: IT slaps 3-crore penalty on archdiocese|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/020419/land-deal-it-slaps-3-crore-penalty-on-archdiocese.html|access-date=2021-11-20|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en|archive-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120181557/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/020419/land-deal-it-slaps-3-crore-penalty-on-archdiocese.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Bishop Antony Kariyil of Mandya was then appointed as the episcopal vicar of the major archbishop and given the personal title "archbishop".<ref name="cruxmalabar" /> Alencherry returned to the helm of the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese on 27 June 2019, after the Vatican terminated the appointment of apostolic administrator.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mar Alencherry back at Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese helm|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2019/jun/28/mar-alencherry-back-at-ernakulam-angamaly-archdiocese-helm-1996367.html|access-date=2021-11-20|website=The New Indian Express|date=28 June 2019 |archive-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120172018/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2019/jun/28/mar-alencherry-back-at-ernakulam-angamaly-archdiocese-helm-1996367.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The land deal row was investigated by KPMG, a private audit firm appointed by the Vatican. The 2019 KPMG report revealed that an inquiry has found a lack of transparency in the appointment of agents in the land deals. Laity activists sought civil and legal action on the matter and action against George Alencherry who was the diocese head.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Church land deals: Audit report puts Cardinal George Alencherry in a spot|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2021/jun/26/church-land-deals-audit-report-puts-cardinal-george-alencherry-in-a-spot-2321589.html|access-date=2021-11-15|website=The New Indian Express|date=26 June 2021 |archive-date=15 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115181206/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2021/jun/26/church-land-deals-audit-report-puts-cardinal-george-alencherry-in-a-spot-2321589.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The police team investigating the case submitted a report to the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court in Ernakulam in December 2020, stating that there is no evidence of conspiracy or excessive gain by George Alencherry in the incident.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-12-19|title=Police clean chit to Cardinal Alencherry in land deal|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/police-clean-chit-to-cardinal-alencherry-in-land-deal/article33373669.ece|access-date=2021-11-20|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120181558/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/police-clean-chit-to-cardinal-alencherry-in-land-deal/article33373669.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

The High Court of Kerala denied Alencherry's plea in August 2021, which sought to dismiss the cases filed against him for alleged criminal breach of trust, criminal conspiracy, and fraudulent execution of settlement documents in the lawsuit challenging the lower court's verdict.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kerala HC rejects Mar Alencherry's plea to quash land deal cases|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2021/aug/13/kerala-hc-rejects-mar-alencherrysplea-to-quash-land-deal-cases-2343983.html|access-date=2021-11-20|website=The New Indian Express|date=13 August 2021 |archive-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120181600/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2021/aug/13/kerala-hc-rejects-mar-alencherrysplea-to-quash-land-deal-cases-2343983.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="theweekchallenging">{{Cite web|title=Cardinal George Alencherry must face trial in land deal case: Kerala HC|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/08/12/cardinal-george-alencherry-must-face-trial-in-land-deal-case-kerala-hc.html|access-date=2021-11-20|website=The Week|language=en|archive-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120181600/https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/08/12/cardinal-george-alencherry-must-face-trial-in-land-deal-case-kerala-hc.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Kerala High Court ruled in August 2021 that George Alencherry must stand trial in the case. The court found that a significant information had been suppressed, and directed the government to investigate whether any state land had been included in the sale.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Cardinal Alencherry must stand trial in land cases; Kerala HC|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/cardinal-alencherry-must-stand-trial-in-land-cases-kerala-hc/2140124|access-date=2021-11-20|website=www.outlookindia.com/|language=en|archive-date=25 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125210326/https://www.outlookindia.com/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-22|title=Kerala govt to probe land deals of Syro Malabar church head Cardinal Alencherry|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kerala-govt-probe-land-deals-syro-malabar-church-head-cardinal-alencherry-155592|access-date=2021-11-20|website=The News Minute|language=en|archive-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120181557/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kerala-govt-probe-land-deals-syro-malabar-church-head-cardinal-alencherry-155592|url-status=live}}</ref> It had also criticized the police for not registering a case despite being in possession of enough information.<ref name="theweekchallenging" /> In September 2021, the Kerala government has formed a seven-member enquiry team to probe the cases related to the land deals.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Seven-member probe team to look into land deals of Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/sevenmember-probe-team-to-look-into-land-deals-of-ernakulamangamaly-archdiocese/2164336|access-date=2021-11-20|website=outlookindia.com|language=en|archive-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120181559/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/sevenmember-probe-team-to-look-into-land-deals-of-ernakulamangamaly-archdiocese/2164336|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Forged documents by priests==== A 24-year-old man was arrested on 19 May 2019 for allegedly forging documents against Alencherry, following which a row has erupted in Syro-Malabar church with a section of priests protesting against the arrest. Three bishops of the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese have come out openly against the arrest of the man claiming that he is not a criminal and he had no role in forging documents. The priests have claimed that the man, a faithful, while working as an intern with a reputed business group in Kochi, had taken a screenshot of documents allegedly having Alencherry's name from the computer server of the firm and brought it to the notice of a church priest Tony Kalookaran. The priest reportedly shared it with another priest, who allegedly submitted it to a Synod of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. The priests, including auxiliary bishops of the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese, have demanded a high-level probe into the forgery case. Police have said the documents, purportedly linking the Syro-Malabar Church head with the accounts of a private bank, were found to be forged during their investigation. According to them, the cardinal was found not operating any account in the bank named in the documents. The priests, including Bishop Jacob Manathodath, who was appointed as the administrator of the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese by Pope Francis on 22 June 2018, have urged the government to order either a CBI or a judicial probe into the case. Meanwhile, the police made Kallookaran also an accused in the case on 21 May 2019. Former Auxiliary Bishops Sebastian Adayanthrath and Jose Puthenveettil had also joined Bishop Manathodath at a press conference held on 20 May 2019 to raise the demand. Refuting the allegations of torture in custody, the police said they were carrying out a "scientific probe" into the case.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-04-29|title=Probe finds documents against Cardinal George Alencherry forged|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/probe-finds-documents-against-cardinal-forged/article26974620.ece|access-date=2021-11-20|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120182540/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/probe-finds-documents-against-cardinal-forged/article26974620.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="cruxmalabar">{{Cite web|url=https://cruxnow.com/church-in-asia/2019/08/head-of-syro-malabar-church-stripped-of-administrative-responsibility-in-archdiocese/|website=cruxnow.com|access-date=2020-05-13|title=Head of Syro-Malabar Church stripped of administrative responsibility in archdiocese|date=30 August 2019|archive-date=27 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627210705/https://cruxnow.com/church-in-asia/2019/08/head-of-syro-malabar-church-stripped-of-administrative-responsibility-in-archdiocese/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Love jihad controversy === In January 2020, a post-synodal circular issued by Alencherry about [[love jihad]] was read out at Catholic churches on Sunday [[Holy Qurbana|liturgies]], the circular alleged that Christian women are targeted, recruited to [[Islamic state]] and even killed. However, the circular was not read in many of the churches in Ernakulam district due to ongoing disputes with hierarchy.<ref name="lovejihadnewsminute" /><ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-01-19|title=Alencherry's pastoral letter on 'love jihad' read out in churches in Kochi|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/alencherry-s-pastoral-letter-on-love-jihad-read-out-in-churches-in-kochi-120011900256_1.html|access-date=2021-11-20|archive-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120184643/https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/alencherry-s-pastoral-letter-on-love-jihad-read-out-in-churches-in-kochi-120011900256_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The church's statement sparked criticism from its leaders and followers. Reformists criticized the church for labeling interfaith weddings as "love jihad."<ref name="lovejihadnewsminute" /> Many clergy directly challenged the legitimacy of the statements. Reformist groups such as the Archdiocesan Movement for Transparency, the Council Against Religious Exploitation and the Joint Christian Council criticized the church, claiming that such remarks were meant to divert attention away from the corruption charges of the church's leaders.<ref name="lovejihadnewsminute">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/amidst-criticisms-kerala-catholic-churches-read-out-love-jihad-circular-sunday-mass-116403|title=Amid criticisms, Kerala Catholic churches read out love jihad circular during Sunday mass|website=The News Minute|access-date=20 November 2021|archive-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120184651/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/amidst-criticisms-kerala-catholic-churches-read-out-love-jihad-circular-sunday-mass-116403|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Notes== {{Notelist}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

==Further reading== * {{cite web|title=Asia's Largest Church: A 'Cardinal Sin'?|date=13 May 2015 |url=https://mattersindia.com/2015/05/asias-largest-church-a-cardinal-sin/ |ref=none}} * {{cite web| access-date = 6 December 2017| title= Alencherry Card. George |publisher= [[Holy See Press Office]] | url= https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinali_biografie/cardinali_bio_alencherry_g.html | url-status=live | archive-date= 4 September 2017 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20170904070732/http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinali_biografie/cardinali_bio_alencherry_g.html |ref=none}} * {{cite web| url-status = live | access-date = 15 May 2018 | archive-date= 17 October 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171017073641/http://www.ernakulamarchdiocese.org/home/inner/5 | url = http://www.ernakulamarchdiocese.org/home/inner/5 |title= Major Archbishop Mar George Cardinal Alencherry | website = Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly |ref=none}} *[https://www.marunadanmalayali.com/news/exclusive/vatican-letter-marunadan-exclusive-112720 Vatican letter]; marunadanmalayali.com * {{cite web | access-date=27 June 2018| url= http://emalayalee.com/getPDFNews.php?pdf=156435_FINAL%20REPORT | title= Report of the Enquiry Committee Appointed by the Major Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly on 29 November 2017 at the recommendation of the Presbyteral Council in connection with Financial and Land transactions of the Archdiocese for the period from 01-04-2015 to 30-11-2017 | date= 4 January 2018 | website= eMalayalee | url-status=live| archive-date=27 June 2018 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180627192757/http://emalayalee.com/getPDFNews.php?pdf=156435_FINAL%20REPORT |ref=none}}

== External links == {{Commons category|George Alencherry}} {{wikiquote}} * [https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/balenc.html George ''Cardinal'' Alencherry] at [[Catholic-Hierarchy.org]]

{{s-start}} {{s-rel|ca}} {{s-new|first|reason=Diocese erected}} {{s-ttl|title=[[Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Thuckalay|Bishop of Thuckalay]]|years=11 November 1996 – 24 May 2011}} {{s-aft|after=[[George Rajendran Kuttinadar]]}} {{s-break}} {{s-bef|before=[[Varkey Vithayathil]]|rows=3}} {{s-ttl|title=[[List of Major Archbishops of Ernakulam-Angamaly|Major Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly]]|years=24 May 2011 – 7 December 2023}} {{s-aft|after=[[Raphael Thattil]]|rows=2}} {{s-break}} {{s-ttl|title=[[Syro-Malabar Catholic Church|President of the Synod of the Syro-Malabar Church]]|years=25 May 2011 – 7 December 2023}} {{s-break}} {{s-ttl|title=[[San Bernardo alle Terme|Cardinal-Priest of San Bernardo alle Terme]]|years=18 February 2012 –}} {{s-inc}} {{s-end}}

{{Subject bar |portal1= Biography |portal2= Catholicism |portal3= India}} {{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Alencherry, George}} [[Category:1945 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Syro-Malabar Catholic Archbishops of Ernakulam-Angamaly]] [[Category:Catholic University of Paris alumni]] [[Category:Cardinals created by Pope Benedict XVI]] [[Category:Indian cardinals]] [[Category:Members of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith]] [[Category:Members of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches]] [[Category:People from Changanassery]] [[Category:Christian clergy from Kottayam]]