Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop George Pallipparambil SDB, Bishop of Miao in Arunachal Pradesh, as a member of the International Council for Catechesis (Co.In.Cat.), an advisory body of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization. The appointment is for a five-year term and is seen as an important recognition of the missionary work carried out by the Church in Northeast India.
Bishop Pallipparambil has spent many years serving the people of the Diocese of Miao, one of India’s most remote mission territories. The diocese is located near the borders of Myanmar and China and is home to many indigenous communities. During his ministry, he has focused on evangelization, education, healthcare, and social development while helping local communities grow in faith.
The International Council for Catechesis advises the Vatican on matters related to religious education and the transmission of the Catholic faith throughout the world. The council studies the challenges facing catechesis in different countries and recommends ways to strengthen faith formation for people of all ages.
Church leaders believe Bishop Pallipparambil’s experience in missionary work will bring valuable insights to the council. His ministry among culturally diverse communities has given him firsthand knowledge of how the Gospel can be shared in different social and cultural settings.
The Diocese of Miao welcomed the announcement with great joy. Priests, religious, and lay faithful have assured the bishop of their prayers as he begins this new responsibility. Many see his appointment as a recognition not only of his personal service but also of the missionary spirit of the Church in Northeast India. His new role will allow the experiences of Indian mission territories to contribute to the Vatican’s reflection on catechesis and evangelization across the universal Church.
