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His Holiness Pope Leo XIV

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India is pleased to express its deep joy and happiness on the election of the new Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV. The Church in India joins with millions of Catholics around the world in raising our hearts and minds in thanksgiving to the Heavenly Father for providing us a shepherd after the pattern and image of His Son, Jesus Christ, the Supreme Shepherd.

The Church in India pledges its total loyalty and allegiance to the new Pope Leo XIV, and assure His Holiness of our fervent prayers that the Holy Spirit who inspired the Cardinal-electors to choose Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the successor of St. Peter, may continue to guide and strengthen His Holiness in the discharge of the duties of the Petrine Ministry for the good of the Catholic Church and for the well-being of the entire humanity.

The Most Reverend Leopoldo Girelli

The Apostolic Nunciature

Serves as the diplomatic mission of the Holy See, fostering strong bonds of communion between the Pope and the local Church. Through its pastoral and diplomatic presence, the Nunciature supports the mission of the Church, promotes collaboration among bishops, and strengthens the relationship between the Holy See and the nation.

In India and Nepal, the Apostolic Nuncio plays a vital role in encouraging unity, dialogue, and the witness of Christian values in public life. By accompanying the local Church and facilitating communication with the Vatican, the Nunciature contributes to the growth of faith, mutual understanding, and service to the common good.

CBCI at a Glance: United in Witness

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, established in 1944, exemplifies the unity and dedication of the Catholic Church in fostering faith throughout the nation. Guided by a deep-rooted commitment to the Gospel, this collective effort consistently fortifies the fabric of our diverse communities.

Founded
1944
Bishops
300
Dioceses
175
Churches
15,121

Latin

The Latin Rite in India, characterized by its rich traditions and diverse communities, forms a significant part of the Catholic Church's heritage in the country. Rooted in centuries of faith and practice, the Latin Rite upholds the liturgical norms and canonical disciplines as practiced universally by the Roman Catholic Church.

Bishops215
Dioceses132
Churches10,701
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Syro-Malabar

The Syro-Malabar Church is an East Syrian Rite, Major Archiepiscopal Church in full communion with the Vatican. It is the second-largest Eastern Catholic Church after the Ukrainian Church and the largest of the Saint Thomas Christian denominations with roots tracing back to the evangelistic activity of Thomas the Apostle in the 1st century.

Bishops65
Dioceses31
Churches3,224

Syro-Malankara

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church is an Antiochian Rite Major Archiepiscopal Church centered in Kerala, India. It traces its origins to the re-establishment of communion with the Catholic Church in 1930, led by Archbishop Mar Ivanios. It celebrates the liturgy according to the West Syrian liturgical tradition.

Bishops20
Dioceses12
Churches1196
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