Pope Francis has appointed Father Sahaya Thatheus Thomas (54), Rector of Holy Trinity Major Seminary, Jalandhar, as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Simla-Chandigarh. The announcement was made on Saturday, 12 April 2025. At the same time, the Holy Father accepted the resignation of Bishop Ignatius Loyola Ivan Mascarenhas (75), who has led the diocese since 2009.
Father Thadeus was born on 6 November 1971 in Chinnavilai, Tamil Nadu, in the Diocese of Kottar. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Simla-Chandigarh on 13 May 2001. Father Thadeus holds two Master’s degrees: one in Journalism and Mass Communication from Punjabi University, Patiala (2006–2008), and another in Human Rights from the Indian Institute of Human Rights, New Delhi (2007–2009). He also studied German at the Uni-versity of Vienna before completing a Licentiate in Theology (2010–2013) and a Doctorate in Sacred Scripture (2013–2016) from the University of Vienna, Austria. His pastoral ministry began as Parish Assistant at Little Flower Parish, Panchkula (2001–2004), where he also served as Priest-in-Charge. He then took on responsibilities as Vice-Rector of the Diocesan Minor Seminary, Kauli (2004–2009), while also serving as Director of the Diocesan Commission for Media and the Bible Enquiry Center. The Diocese of Simla-Chandigarh, which covers parts of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana, now welcomes its new shepherd, a man deeply rooted in pastoral care, academic excellence, and missionary zeal.