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.
