Archdiocese of Hyderabad celebrates 140 years of faith  

HYDERABAD, Telangana (Indian Catholic News) — The Archdiocese of Hyderabad (1886-2026) is marking the 140th anniversary of its Catholic hierarchy, celebrating “a journey of grace and faith” through more than a century of missionary expansion and leadership across the region. 

The Catholic presence in the Deccan has its roots in the missionary efforts of earlier centuries, beginning with the Vicariate Apostolic of Hyderabad established in 1851. 

During these early years, “missionaries, priests and religious men and women gradually brought the Gospel to the people, travelling to distant communities and establishing churches, schools and institutions of service,” according to a report published in the September issue of Shepherd’s Call, the archdiocesan newsletter. 

A decisive moment came on Sept. 1, 1886, when Pope Leo XIII established the Catholic hierarchy in India and raised the Vicariate Apostolic of Hyderabad to the Diocese of Hyderabad. Bishop Peter Caprotti became its first bishop. Shortly after, St. Joseph’s Church in Gunfoundry became the diocese cathedral in 1887 and remains a symbol of the region’s Catholic presence. 

Territorial expansion and elevation 

As the Church expanded, the vast Diocese of Hyderabad gradually gave birth to several new ecclesiastical territories, according to an archdiocesan report. Territories originally part of the diocese eventually contributed to creating new regions, including Bellary, Vijayawada, Warangal, Kurnool, Cuddapah, Nalgonda, Eluru and Khammam. This allowed the local faith community to develop into a network of vibrant regional churches.  

Another historic milestone came Sept. 19, 1953, when the diocese was elevated to a metropolitan archdiocese. Archbishop Joseph Mark Gopu became its first archbishop, taking on a broader pastoral role for the growing territory.  

Historic leadership milestones 

The archdiocese has been guided by a series of devoted leaders over the decades, including Archbishop Samineni Arulappa (1924-2005), Archbishop Marampudi Joji (1942-2010), and Archbishop Thumma Bala (1944-2024). 

Archbishop Anthony Poola assumed leadership in 2020. His elevation to the College of Cardinals in 2022 marked a “historic moment”, making him the first cardinal from India’s Telugu-speaking Catholic community. Expanding his leadership nationally, he was elected president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India in 2026. 

The report points out that the history of these 140 years is not merely a history of bishops and institutions. Instead, it is the story of countless missionaries, priests, religious women and men, catechists, families, teachers, healthcare workers, benefactors and lay faithful. They supported efforts in evangelization, education, healthcare, social development, youth ministry, vocation promotion, and care for the poor and marginalized.   

“The 140th anniversary is therefore both a celebration and a call to renewal. We give thanks for the faith we have received, honour those who faithfully handed it on to us, and commit ourselves to carrying forward their missionary legacy,” it added.  

Read the full report.