All India Press Release Day 2 of the National Synodal Assembly Highlights Youth Accompaniment, Integral Ecology, and Social Justice Bengaluru, May 2, 2026 – The second day of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) National Synodal Assembly, themed “Synodal Pilgrimage of Hope,” began with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop Peter Machado of Bengaluru. In his homily, he called participants to remain rooted in Christ, “the way,” and to walk togethe

Press Note National Synodal Assembly 2026 Begins in Bangalore: Church in India Gathers as “Synodal Pilgrims of Hope” The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) inaugurated its National Synodal Assembly 2026 on 1 May at St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore, bringing together over 195 delegates from across the country under the theme “Synodal Pilgrims of Hope.” This significant gathering forms part of the global synodal process initiated in 2021 by Pope Francis, inviti

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

New Delhi, 24 March 2026 (CCBI): Jerome Dhas Varuvel, Bishop Emeritus of Kuzhithurai, passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, 24 March 2026, at 1:30 am. He died at the Care Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor on Harrington Road, Chetpet, Chennai. He had been hospitalised in recent months following complications arising from dementia and Parkinson’s disease and was undergoing treatment at Kauvery Hospital in Chennai. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, 25 March 2026,

New Delhi 13 March 2026 (CCBI): The Holy Father Pope Leo XIV has appointed Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli (73) until now Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, as Apostolic Nuncio to Croatia. The appointment was made public on 13 March 2026. Archbishop Girelli had been serving the Church in India since 13 March 2021. Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli was born in Predore (Bergamo), Italy, on 13 March 1953. He was ordained a priest on 17 June 1978 and holds a Doctorate in Theology. He e

New Delhi, March 3, 2026: In response to the escalating violence and instability in the Middle East, the President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, has called on the faithful of the Latin Catholic Church in India to unite in prayer for peace. In a circular addressed to archbishops, bishops, priests, deacons, religious, catechists and lay faithful, Cardinal Ferrão urged the Church across the country to observe Sunday, March 8,