9 July, 2026 Ref.DS/1383/2026 Dear Sister/Brother/Father, Cordial Greetings from the CCBI General Secretariat, New Delhi! I am pleased to share with you the electronic copy of the CCBI News, January–June 2026 issue. This edition highlights the major news, events, initiatives, and programmes undertaken by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India during the past six months. I hope this publication will keep you informed about the life and mission of the Episcopal Con

New Delhi 24 June 2026 (CCBI): Pope Leo XIV has appointed Fr. Anand David Xalxo (51), Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Ranchi and Parish Priest of St. Mary's Cathedral, Ranchi, as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Ranchi on 24 June 2026. Fr Anand David Xalxo was born on November 20, 1975 in Mandar, Archdiocese of Ranchi. He completed his studies at the following institutions: Elementary School in Mandar (1983–1989); High School at St. Ignatius School, Gumla (1990–1994

New Delhi, 10 June 2026: The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) released the Indian edition of the Encyclical Letter of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, Magnifica Humanitas, at the Apostolic Nunciature in New Delhi on 10 June 2026. During a brief ceremony held at the Nunciature, Msgr. Andrea Francia, Chargé d'affaires a.i. of the Apostolic Nunciature in India handed over the first copy to Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI. Ms Caroline Bus

Visakhapatnam, 7 June 2026 (CCBI): Archbishop Prakash Mallavarapu, Archbishop Emeritus of Visakhapatnam, passed away on Sunday, 7 June 2026, at 2:35 a.m. at a private hospital in Visakhapatnam. He was 77. Funeral details are awaited. He was the Bishop of Cuddapah (1998–2002), Vijayawada (2002–2012), Archbishop of Visakhapatnam (2012–2024), and Apostolic Administrator of Srikakulam in 2019. He was the Secretary General of the CCBI (2005–2011). Archbishop Prakash was initia

May 12, 2026: As the Church in India continues its synodal journey, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), reflected on the call to become a more participatory, inclusive and missionary Church. Speaking to Catholic Connect, the Cardinal spoke candidly about the opportunities and challenges before the Church in India, urging Catholics to move from “working for people to walking with people” through deeper listening, shared

Promotional Video for the National Synodal Assembly - Catholic Connect India The Catholic Church in India is set to gather in Bangalore from May 1–3, 2026, for the National Synodal Assembly. Bringing together 220 delegates—including 107 lay leaders, bishops, and youth—this landmark event focuses on the theme "Synodal Pilgrims of Hope.

New Delhi, 23 April 2026 – The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) accorded a warm and fitting farewell to Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, who served from 13 March 2021 to 23 April 2026. The farewell gathering was hosted by the Apostolic Nunciature in New Delhi on 23 April 2026. The event was attended by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the CCBI; Archbishop Peter Machado, Vice President of the CCBI; Archbishop Anil Couto o

New Delhi 22 April 2026 (CCBI) - The CCBI General Secretariat in New Delhi accorded a warm farewell to Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, as he paid a farewell visit marking the conclusion of his pastoral service as Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal. Fr. Stephen Alathara welcomed the Apostolic Nuncio and honoured him with a memento of the Taj Mahal as a token of gratitude and a lasting remembrance of the Church in India. A floral bouquet was also prese

The Catholic Church in India will convene a National Synodal Assembly from 1–3 May 2026 in Bangalore. The assembly will be held in Bangalore and will carry the theme “Synodal Pilgrims of Hope.” The gathering seeks to advance the implementation of synodality in the life and mission of the Church in India. The initiative is part of the global synodal process launched in 2021 by Pope Francis. The worldwide consultation invited the entire Church to reflect on how the People of

From the Leadership of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC)

New Delhi, April 14, 2026: The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) has expressed its prayerful solidarity with Pope Leo XIV, endorsing his urgent appeal for peace amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. In a statement issued today, the Conference of the Catholic Bishops of India underscored the moral and spiritual significance of the Holy Father’s call, describing it as a timely reminder to the global community to choose dialogue over confrontation. As violenc

Vatican City, April 9, 2026: The Holy Father has appointed Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, president of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India and Archbishop of Goa and Daman, as one of the members of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, the Vatican body responsible for overseeing the Church’s global communication efforts. Cardinal Ferrão also serves as the President of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), placing him among the most prominent Catholic le