Sri Lanka: Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith Meets Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican

By Lions Roar International Desk

VATICAN CITY (Sunday, January 25, 2026) — The Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, was received in a private audience by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Friday, January 23.

The meeting marks a significant diplomatic and spiritual visit for the Sri Lankan Catholic Church, as the Cardinal continues to advocate for justice and community healing on the international stage.

🏛️ A High-Level Delegation

Cardinal Ranjith was accompanied by a distinguished delegation of Sri Lankan clergy during the formal proceedings at the Apostolic Palace. The delegation included:

• Rev. Fr. Neville Joe Perera
• Rev. Fr. Indika Joseph
• Rev. Fr. Deninton Subasinghe

The priests were present to witness the exchange between the Cardinal and the Pontiff, which reportedly covered matters of regional peace, the welfare of the Sri Lankan faithful, and ongoing efforts toward national reconciliation.

🕊️ Strengthening Ties with the Holy See

While the specific details of the private conversation remain confidential, the visit is seen as an important step in maintaining the strong bond between the Archdiocese of Colombo and the Holy See.

Cardinal Ranjith has been a vocal figure in Rome regarding the rights of the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, and his meetings with the Pope often serve as a platform to update the Vatican on the progress of investigations and social conditions in Sri Lanka.

📊 Delegation Profile: Vatican Visit 2026