Pope John Paul II on his vist to India in 1986, paid a visit to the Shrine. This was the first time that a Pope had visited Chennai.

Address of John Paul II on occasion of the visit to the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Thomas the Apostle(Courtesy : www.vatican.va)

Madras (India)

Wednesday, 5 February 1986

Dear Archbishop Arulappa,
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It is an honour and special grace for me to come to the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Thomas the Apostle here in Madras. As so many pilgrims before me have done, I too come to venerate the Tomb of the Apostle to India. This holy place speaks of the history of the Church in this beloved land. It calls to mind, not only Saint Thomas and his martyrdom, but all the others after him who have dedicated their lives to the preaching of the Gospel, all those who have borne witness to Christ both in word and in deed.

I pray that our faith will be strong like theirs, and that our love for Christ may inspire us to love and serve our neighbour. With joy in our hearts, let us praise God who, through Saint Thomas, has communicated the Good News of salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord.