Kochi: Archbishop Joseph Pamplany, the recently appointed Major Archbishop's Vicar for the Ernakulam–Angamaly Archdiocese, assured a peaceful resolution to the ongoing dispute over the unified Holy Mass.

"We will resolve the issue peacefully. I cannot study the issue overnight; I need time to understand and resolve it," Pamplany said. However, he clarified that the churches will hold unified mass and encouraged a fair dialogue with the protesters.

Archbishop Pamplany was responding to the protest by a section of priests who opposed the imposition of the unified mass. They agitated in front of the Bishop House in Kochi. Police had placed barricades to stop the protesters.

"We welcome everyone and are open to all grievances. There will be no prejudice during the meetings. A senate member will attend the meeting convened by the District Collector," Pamplany added, emphasising a collaborative approach to resolving the conflict.

Meanwhile, Bishop Bosco Puthur, who stepped down from his role as Apostolic Administrator, apologised if his actions caused any hurt. "I apologise to anyone whom I might have hurt; it was not intentional. I've only tried to resolve the issues," he said.

The Ernakulam–Angamaly Archdiocese recently witnessed a leadership transition amid the prolonged Holy Mass controversy. Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Bishop Bosco Puthur and Mar Raphael Thattil, the Syro-Malabar Major Archbishop. He appointed Thalassery Archbishop Pamplany as his vicar for the archdiocese. The decision was made during the 33rd Synod’s first session held from January 6 to January 11.