New Delhi, May 19, 2026: The CBCI Office for SC/BC held a two-day consultation and planning meeting in New Delhi on May 14 and 15 to strengthen legal and social efforts for the empowerment of Dalit Christians across India.

The meeting brought together newly appointed office bearers, bishops, legal experts, and social leaders to review the long-pending Supreme Court case related to Dalit Christian rights and discuss future strategies for advocacy and development.

Bishop Jaya Rao Polimera of Eluru, Chairman of the CBCI Office for SC/BC, along with Bishop Peter Rumal Kharadi of Jhabua and Auxiliary Bishop Geevarghese Mar Aprem of Kottayam, visited the national office to better understand the challenges faced by Dalit Christians.

A major part of the meeting focused on the legal battle currently pending before the Supreme Court. Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan briefed participants on the status of the case and recent legal developments. Advocates handling the matter also explained the impact of recent court judgments and their connection to the ongoing case.

Judge Ramulu Dunna from Andhra Pradesh presented a detailed study on the issue and suggested steps to strengthen the Commission’s future work. These included forming a legal cell with dedicated advocates and building stronger public and political support for Dalit Christian concerns.

Church leaders stressed the need for focused action in education, employment, and social empowerment. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to coordinated legal advocacy and stronger support for marginalized communities across the country.

The National Federation of Churches in India (NFCI) was officially launched during the Fourth National Ecumenical Bishops’ Fellowship Meeting held at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bengaluru.

The new federation was formed as a united platform for Churches in India to respond together to the growing challenges faced by the Christian community. Church leaders expressed concern over attacks on pastors and faithful, anti-conversion laws in some states, and issues related to Church properties and financial regulations.

After nearly two years of discussions and planning, the guidelines for the new federation were approved and adopted during the meeting, leading to its formal launch.

The NFCI will serve as a national ecumenical body and umbrella organisation for Christians in India. Its main goal is to promote visible unity among Churches while respecting the traditions, identities, and structures of different denominations. It will also address common concerns affecting Christian communities across the country.

Around 45 Church leaders, including bishops, archbishops, and heads of Churches from different denominations, attended the meeting.

The gathering began with a prayer service for Christian unity. Church leaders highlighted the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and collective action in facing present challenges.

During the meeting, leadership elections were also held. Cardinal Anthony Poola was elected Chairman of the NFCI. Archbishop Joseph D’Souza, Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt, and Bishop Vincent Vinod Kumar were selected as conveners.

The launch ended with a prayer of dedication and blessing.

Church leaders described the formation of the NFCI as a historic step towards stronger Christian unity, fellowship, and coordinated action in India.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has called on newly elected governments in several Indian states to govern with justice, equality, and transparency.

The appeal came after election results were announced in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, West Bengal, and Puducherry. In a public statement, the bishops congratulated the winning parties and urged them to follow inclusive policies that protect all communities, especially the poor and minorities.

The bishops said governments should remain faithful to the values of the Indian Constitution by promoting equality, justice, and social harmony.

They especially asked leaders to focus on the needs of the poor, marginalized communities, and religious minorities. The statement noted that real national development is meaningful only when the benefits of progress reach vulnerable sections of society.

The appeal was signed by Cardinal Anthony Poola, President of the CBCI. He also assured the Church’s willingness to work with governments for nation-building through its educational, healthcare, and social service institutions.

Church leaders made this appeal at a time of growing concern over rising attacks on Christians in different parts of India.

According to the United Christian Forum, more than 700 incidents of violence or harassment against Christians were reported in 2025.

Church representatives said governments at both state and national levels have a constitutional duty to protect all citizens equally and preserve India’s social harmony.

The bishops also expressed concern that religion is increasingly becoming a source of division in public life.

Christians form about 2.3 percent of India’s population, while Hindus make up nearly 80 percent.

The CBCI called for peaceful governance that respects diversity and protects the rights of every citizen.

The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) has appointed two lay leaders and two women religious to important national roles, marking a major step toward greater participation of laity and women in Church leadership.

The appointments were made during the CCBI Executive Committee meeting held on May 5 and 6 in Bangalore.

Mr. Adrian Rosario from the Archdiocese of Bombay has been appointed Executive Secretary to the Commission for Laity. Mr. Ajin Joseph from the Archdiocese of Delhi has been named Associate Executive Secretary to the Commission for Family, with special responsibility for Pro-Life Ministry.

Two women religious were also appointed to national positions. Sr. Celina Surin of the M.S.M.H.C. congregation from Assam has been appointed Associate Executive Secretary to the Commission for Youth. Sr. Deepti Minj of the S.C.S.C. congregation from Raipur has been appointed Associate Executive Secretary to the Commission for Women.

The CCBI said these appointments reflect its growing commitment to shared leadership and wider participation in the mission of the Church.

The recent CCBI National Synodal Assembly, held from May 1 to 3 in Bangalore, also showed this focus. Out of 220 delegates, 107 were lay leaders, making it one of the most representative gatherings in recent Church history in India.

Church leaders said the CCBI is creating more opportunities for lay faithful and women to take leadership roles at parish, diocesan, regional, and national levels.

As the largest Bishops’ Conference in Asia, the CCBI continues to promote a more participatory, inclusive, and mission-oriented Church in India through its National Pastoral Plan and synodal vision.

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Fr. Vijaya Paul Reddy Duggimpudi as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Warangal. He becomes the fourth bishop of the diocese and succeeds Archbishop Udumala Bala, who was recently transferred to Visakhapatnam.

Fr. Vijaya Paul Reddy is 61 years old and has been serving as the Diocesan Administrator of Warangal since April 2025.

Born on January 8, 1965, in Manugonda, Telangana, he completed his philosophy and theology studies at St. John’s Major Seminary, Hyderabad. He also earned academic degrees from Osmania University and Annamalai University, including Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Arts and Education.

He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Warangal on April 2, 1992.

Over the years, Bishop-elect Vijaya Paul served in many important roles in the Church. He worked as Assistant Parish Priest, Hostel Director, Parish Priest, and educational administrator in different dioceses. He also served as Director of Fatima College of Education, Director of Lodi Multipurpose Social Service Society, and Director of Christu Jyothi Institute of Technology and Science in Warangal.

Church leaders and faithful have welcomed his appointment with joy and hope.

The Diocese of Warangal was established on December 22, 1952. It covers the districts of Warangal and Karimnagar in Telangana.

According to Church statistics, the diocese has over 85,000 Catholics across 78 parishes. It is served by 92 diocesan priests, 187 religious priests, and 650 religious sisters.

With his long pastoral, educational, and administrative experience, Bishop-elect Vijaya Paul Reddy is expected to guide the Diocese of Warangal with dedication and faith.

Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão has called on the Church in India to become more participatory, inclusive, and missionary through the spirit of synodality.

Speaking about the Church’s journey in India, the President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India said synodality is both a grace and a responsibility. He explained that the Church must move from “working for people to walking with people” by promoting listening, shared responsibility, and active participation.

The Cardinal said India is already familiar with walking together through families, parishes, basic Christian communities, and religious groups. However, he noted that the Church now needs to make this journey more intentional, organised, and missionary.

He highlighted that India’s diversity of cultures, languages, rites, and traditions is a gift. According to him, synodality helps the Church strengthen unity while respecting differences. He stressed that unity does not mean uniformity but working together in Christ.

Cardinal Ferrão also called for a stronger culture of listening, especially to young people, women, and those on the margins of society. He said bishops, priests, religious, and lay faithful must create more spaces for dialogue and participation.

He identified several challenges facing the Church in India, including clericalism, lack of formation in synodal values, fear of change, and social divisions such as caste and class differences.

The Cardinal encouraged Catholics to see these challenges as opportunities for renewal and mission. He said the CCBI’s Mission 2033 pastoral plan offers a practical roadmap for building a synodal Church through communion, participation, and mission.

A week-long formation programme organised by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) has called for a renewed vision in the training of priests and religious leaders.

The programme was held at Shanti Sadan in Benaulim from April 20 to 25. It brought together 25 formators from dioceses and religious congregations across India for reflection and discussion.

Participants stressed the need to move beyond traditional systems and focus on a more complete and meaningful formation. They said training should help candidates grow not only in knowledge but also in faith, emotional maturity, and pastoral care.

Several speakers guided the sessions, including priests, religious leaders, and Church officials. Among them was Simão Purificação Fernandes, who shared insights on the challenges facing the Church today.

The discussions focused on three key areas. First, the personal life of formators. They were encouraged to be true examples of the Gospel by living with prayer, honesty, simplicity, and compassion.

Second, the structure of formation was examined. Participants called for more flexible systems, better teamwork, and practical exposure to real-life pastoral situations. They also highlighted the importance of psychological and spiritual growth.

Third, the formation of candidates was discussed. The aim is to help them become responsible, self-aware, and capable of building healthy relationships. True formation should guide them towards love, service, and a deeper connection with God.

The programme ended with a strong commitment to build a new generation of Church leaders who are faithful, compassionate, and ready to serve society.

Former Supreme Court judge Kurian Joseph has been elected as the National President of the YMCA India, beginning a new chapter of service after his judicial career.

Born on November 30, 1953, in Kerala, he started his legal career at the Kerala High Court after studying at Government Law College in Ernakulam. He later became a judge of the same court and went on to serve as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in 2010.

In March 2013, he was appointed to the Supreme Court of India, where he served until his retirement in November 2018. During his time in the top court, he was known for supporting transparency, accountability, and the protection of constitutional values.

He gained national attention in 2018 when he joined three other senior judges in raising concerns about the functioning of the judiciary. This rare step was seen as an effort to protect the independence of the judicial system.

Even after retirement, he has stayed active in public life, taking part in discussions on law, governance, and social issues.

His election as YMCA National President is expected to strengthen the organisation’s work in youth leadership, community service, and inclusive development. His experience and strong moral values are seen as an advantage for guiding the organisation’s future.

This appointment highlights how retired judges continue to serve society in meaningful ways.

The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) gave a warm farewell to Leopoldo Girelli at a special gathering in New Delhi on April 23, 2026.

Archbishop Girelli served as the Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal from March 13, 2021, to April 23, 2026. The farewell programme was held at the Apostolic Nunciature and was attended by many Church leaders, bishops, and diplomats.

Among those present were Filipe Neri Ferrão, Peter Machado, Anil Couto, and Baselios Mar Cleemis. Several bishops from northern India and ambassadors from different countries also attended the event.
In his message, Cardinal Ferrão thanked Archbishop Girelli for his dedicated service. He especially praised his concern for the poor and his efforts to build unity within the Church and society.

In his reply, Archbishop Girelli expressed gratitude to the Church in India for their support. He said his time in India was both challenging and enriching. He described the Indian Church as vibrant and diverse, with strong traditions and cultures.

As part of the farewell, he was honoured with a memento, a traditional shawl, and a letter of appreciation from the Church leaders.

Archbishop Girelli left India on April 24, 2026, to begin his new mission in Croatia, continuing his service to the global Church.

Alex Joseph Vadakumthala has been appointed as the Ecclesiastical Advisor of Jesus Youth International, marking an important step in his service to the global Church.

The bishop from Kerala has already been serving as the advisor to Jesus Youth India for the past six years. His new role at the international level is seen as a continuation of his strong involvement in guiding the movement’s spiritual and organisational growth.

He was appointed Bishop of Kannur in 2014 by Pope Francis. Before becoming a bishop, he served as Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Verapoly.

Born on June 14, 1959, in Maradu, he began his priestly training at St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary in Ernakulam and later studied philosophy and theology in Pune. He was ordained a priest in 1984.
In his early ministry, he served in parishes in Verapoly and Koonammavu. He later earned a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Urban University in 1992.

He also served in the Pontifical Council for Health and worked with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India in health ministry. He has held several leadership roles, including President of the Canon Law Society of India.

His new appointment comes at a time when youth movements are playing a key role in the Church’s mission, especially in evangelisation and leadership formation worldwide.