Indian Catholic bishops conclude assembly, elect new leadership

CBCI meeting in Bengaluru names Cardinal Anthony Poola as president among new office bearers and commission chairmen, pledging renewed commitment to social welfare, pastoral care and national service.

BENGALURU, Karnataka (Indian Catholic News) — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) concluded its General Body Meeting in Bengaluru, announcing a new leadership team and reaffirming the Church’s role in social welfare, education, healthcare and pastoral care.

The week-long assembly, held from Feb. 4 to Feb. 10 at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, brought together bishops from dioceses across the country for “deep reflection, dialogue, and strategic planning regarding the Church’s role in social welfare, education, healthcare, and pastoral care,” according to a Feb. 10 CBCI press release.

A key highlight was the election of new office bearers. The CBCI announced Cardinal Anthony Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad, as president. Archbishop Thomas Mar Koorilos of Tiruvalla was elected vice president I, and Archbishop Mathew Moolakkatt of Kottayam vice president II. Archbishop Anil Couto of Delhi was named secretary general.

The General Body also elected new chairmen for various commissions, including Labour and Migrants, Education and Culture, Healthcare, Tribal Affairs, Justice Peace and Development, and Caritas India.

The meeting concluded with a “renewed commitment to service and nation-building,” with bishops stressing unity and dialogue to address challenges facing the community.