Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has cancelled his proposed visit to Vatican City, where he was scheduled to meet Pope Leo XIV next month, citing pressing political commitments in the state.
The Chief Minister was expected to attend an audience with the Pope on March 4 following a formal invitation. However, with the Kerala Assembly elections approaching and campaign activities intensifying, Vijayan decided to remain in the state to focus on party preparations and related engagements.
According to officials, a delegation comprising around 16 members will proceed with the visit as planned. The team will convey the Chief Minister’s greetings and Kerala’s message to the Pope during their interaction. The visit is understood to be informal in nature.
Government sources indicated that the decision was taken in view of the tight political schedule in the coming weeks, as parties gear up for the announcement of the election dates and the subsequent campaign phase.
The Vatican visit had drawn attention in political and social circles, but the Chief Minister’s office clarified that electoral responsibilities in Kerala require his presence in the state at this crucial juncture.
