New Delhi, 23 December 2025, CBCI: The Catholic Bishops’
Conference of India (CBCI) expresses deep anguish and unequivocally condemns
the alarming rise in attacks on Christians in various states of our country
during the Christmas season. These targeted incidents, especially against peaceful
carol singers and congregations gathered in churches to pray, gravely undermine
India’s constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and the right to live
and worship without fear.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

CBCI is particularly shocked by the viral video from
Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, where a visually challenged woman attending a
Christmas programme was publicly abused and physically harassed by BJP City
Vice President Anju Bhargava, and by reports of antinational groups disrupting
Christmas gatherings. In light of such egregious and dehumanizing conduct, the
CBCI demands the immediate dismissal of Anju Bhargava from the Bharatiya Janata
Party. Equally disturbing is the circulation of hate-filled digital posters in
Chhattisgarh, reportedly calling for a bandh on 24 December 2025 against
Christians, which can inflame tensions and incite further violence.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

CBCI condemns these hateful acts in the strongest possible
terms and urges both state governments and the Union Government to take urgent,
visible action against all individuals and organisations spreading hatred and
violence. CBCI earnestly requests the Hon’ble Union Home Minister, Shri Amit
Shah ji, to ensure strict enforcement of law and proactive protection for
Christian communities so that the joyful festival of Christmas may be
celebrated peacefully, in an atmosphere of security and harmony, across our
beloved nation.<o:p></o:p>

Christmas Under Threat: CBCI Condemns Hate, Demands Protection For Christians

New Delhi, 18 December 2025, CBCI: The Catholic Bishops’
Conference of India (CBCI) celebrated Christmas 2025 on December 18 at 6:00 pm
at the CBCI Centre, New Delhi. The Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri C. P.
Radhakrishnan, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.<o:p></o:p>

Prior to the formal program, the Hon’ble Vice President,
along with other dignitaries, visited the Holy Crib and paid homage to Baby
Jesus. Addressing the gathering, Shri Radhakrishnan said that Christianity was
brought to India in 52 AD by St. Thomas the Apostle, and that at the heart of
the Christian message is the teaching of Lord Jesus Christ, who came into the
world to establish peace and harmony. He added that His message resonates
deeply with India’s spiritual traditions of compassion, co-existence, and
respect for human dignity.<o:p></o:p>

The Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose,
was the Guest of Honor. In his remarks, he noted, “Christmas brings us
together. Coming together is the beginning, keeping together is progress, and
working together is success.”<o:p></o:p>

The celebrations were also graced by the Apostolic Nuncio to
India and Nepal, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli. <o:p></o:p>

The program was presided over by the President of the CBCI
and Archbishop of Thrissur, Most Rev. Dr. Andrews Thazhath. In his presidential
address, he remarked that Christians have served the nation without
discrimination of caste or creed and affirmed, “We are a people of hope and
communion. We believe in the Constitution of India and trust that it will
safeguard religious freedom, unity, and equality.” <o:p></o:p>

Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thomas, Second Vice President of the
CBCI and Bishop of Bathery, invoked God’s blessings with the opening prayer.
The Secretary General of the CBCI and Archbishop of Delhi, Most Rev. Dr. Anil
Couto, delivered the welcome address, while the Deputy Secretary General, Rev.
Dr. Mathew Koyickal, proposed the vote of thanks.<o:p></o:p>

The celebrations witnessed the presence of Cardinals Moran
Mor Baselios Cleemis, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara
Catholic Church; Cardinal Oswald Gracias; Cardinal Poola Anthony; His Beatitude
Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil; Archbishops, Bishops, Ambassadors,
religious leaders, Members of Parliament, and political and social leaders from
various walks of life.<o:p></o:p>

Christmas carols were rendered by the Christ University
Delhi NCR Choir, and performances by the Little Saints added a joyful and
festive spirit to the celebrations.<o:p></o:p>

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan Calls Jesus’ Message a Beacon of Compassion and Co-existence

New Delhi, December 17, 2025: The Christmas celebrations of
the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) for the year 2025 will be held
on December 18 at 6:00 pm at the CBCI Centre, New Delhi. The Hon’ble Vice
President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, will grace the occasion as the
Chief Guest. In 2024, the CBCI Christmas celebrations were graced by the
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, as the Chief Guest.<o:p></o:p>

The celebrations will also be attended by distinguished
guests, including the Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose,
and the Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli.<o:p></o:p>

The program will be presided over by the President of the
CBCI and Archbishop of Thrissur, Most Rev. Dr. Andrews Thazhath. The Secretary
General of the CBCI and Archbishop of Delhi, Most Rev. Dr. Anil Couto, will
deliver the welcome address, while the Deputy Secretary General of the CBCI,
Rev. Dr. Mathew Koyickal, will propose the vote of thanks.<o:p></o:p>

Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, Ambassadors, religious
leaders, and other eminent personalities from various walks of life are also
expected to be present at the celebrations.<o:p></o:p>

Indian Vice President to Grace CBCI Christmas Celebrations 2025 as Chief Guest

New Delhi, 13 December 2025, CBCI: The Catholic Bishops'
Conference of India (CBCI) welcomes the recent Supreme Court judgment imposing
a cost of ₹1 lakh on an NGO for filing a writ petition challenging the 2014
Constitution Bench judgment that upheld the exemption of minority educational
institutions from the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act,
2009.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

Rev. Dr. Mathew Koyickal, Deputy Secretary, CBCI, and Sr.
Adv. Sayujya, National Secretary, CBCI legal cell, appreciate the spirit of the
bench, comprising Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice R Mahadevan, for dismissing
the plea and describing it as the "grossest abuse of process".<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

"This judgment reaffirms the Constitution's commitment
to protecting minority rights," said Dr. Koyickal. Adv. Sayujya added,
"We commend the Supreme Court for upholding the principles of justice and
promoting the values of our Constitution."<o:p></o:p>

CBCI Welcomes Supreme Court's Strong Stance Against Frivolous Petitions

New Delhi, 10 December 2025, CBCI: &nbsp;Challenging the Constitutional validity of the
Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful&nbsp;
Conversion Religion Act 2025, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India
filed a Writ Petition (C) No.1187/2025, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India v
the State of Rajasthan.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

The matter came up for hearing on 8th December 2025
before the Bench of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Dipankar Datta and Hon’ble Mr. Justice
George Augustine Masih. The Court has issued notice to the State of Rajasthan,
which was accepted by Ms. Nidhi Jaiswal marking an important procedural step in
the progression of the case.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

Rev. Dr. Mathew Koyickal, Deputy Secretary General of the CBCI
welcomes the move of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and remains hopeful that justice
will prevail in safeguarding the rights and freedoms guaranteed under the
Constitution of India<o:p></o:p>

Supreme Court Issues Notice in Writ Petition Filed by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India 

New Delhi, 5 December 2025, CBCI: The Hon’ble Governor of
West Bengal, Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose, IAS (Retd), paid a friendly visit to the
CBCI Centre, the headquarters of the Catholic Church in India, on the afternoon
of 5th December. This marks his first visit to the Centre since assuming office
as Governor.<o:p></o:p>

Rev. Dr. Mathew Koyickal, Deputy Secretary General of the
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), warmly received the Governor upon
his arrival.<o:p></o:p>

During the interaction, the Hon’ble Governor inquired about
the Church in India. Rev. Dr. Mathew Koyickal briefed him on the current
scenario of the Catholic Church in the country and highlighted the various
activities and initiatives undertaken by the CBCI.<o:p></o:p>

Hon’ble West Bengal Governor Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose Visits CBCI Centre

New Delhi, December 5, 2025, CBCI: The Catholic Bishops’
Conference of India (CBCI) Legal Cell and the CBCI Council for Women jointly
organized a two-day National Seminar on the theme “Uniting for Justice:
Safeguarding Our Religious Freedom and Constitutional Rights” from December 5
to 6 at the Navjivan Renewal Centre, Delhi. The seminar brought together around
75 delegates representing dioceses and religious congregations from across the
country.<o:p></o:p>

The program opened with an inaugural address by Archbishop
Anil J. T. Couto, Secretary General of the CBCI and Archbishop of Delhi, who
stressed the importance of citizens being fully aware of their rights and the
constitutional guarantees that protect them.<o:p></o:p>

In his welcome address, Rev. Dr. Mathew Koyickal, Deputy
Secretary General of the CBCI, reaffirmed the CBCI’s commitment to standing
with the people to ensure the protection of constitutional rights for all. Sr.
Mary Scaria SCJM, Advocate at the Supreme Court, Setting the context, she
quoted Pastor Martin Niemöller: “First they came for the Communists, and I
did not speak up because I was not a Communist. Then they came for the
Socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Socialist. Then they
came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew… Finally,
when they came for me, there was no one left to speak for me.” This
highlighted the urgency of uniting to safeguard our religious freedom and
constitutional rights. <o:p></o:p>

Delivering the keynote address, Hon’ble Mr. Sunil Ambuwani,
former Chief Justice of the Jodhpur High Court, spoke on “Upholding
Constitutional Values and Constitutional Morality,” emphasizing the need to
safeguard the foundational principles of the nation. Ms. Annie Raja, political
activist, addressed the gathering on “Communal Violence and Its Impact on Women
and Children: An Affront to Constitutional Ethos,” highlighting the acute
challenges faced by vulnerable communities.<o:p></o:p>

Mr. P. I. Jose, Supreme Court Advocate and member of the
CBCI Legal Cell, discussed “The Protection of Fundamental Rights as the Core of
Indian Democracy.” This was followed by an address by Dr. M. P. Raju, Supreme
Court Advocate, who spoke on “Constitutional Values and Constitutional
Morality: Remedies,” offering legal insights and remedial frameworks for
safeguarding democratic principles.<o:p></o:p>

A panel discussion moderated by Sr. Elsa Muttath, National
Secretary of CRI, featured contributions from experts including Mr. A. C.
Michael, President of the Catholic Association of the Archdiocese of Delhi, who
added practical perspectives to the conversation.<o:p></o:p>

Member of Parliament Mr. Richard Vanlalhmangaiha addressed
the theme “As People’s Representatives, How Effectively Can We Address the
Concerns of Minorities in India?” while Dr. John Britas, Member of Parliament,
spoke on “The Role of People’s Representatives in Safeguarding the Rights of
Minorities,” underlining the duty of elected leaders to uphold constitutional
values and protect minority rights.<o:p></o:p>

The seminar was meticulously coordinated by Sr. Adv. Sayujya
CMC, Secretary of the CBCI Legal Cell, and Sr. Adv. Asha Paul CHF, Secretary of
the CBCI Council for Women.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

CBCI Legal Cell and Council for Women Hold National Seminar on Safeguarding Religious Freedom and Constitutional Rights

New Delhi, 29 November 2025, CBCI: His Holiness Pope Leo XIV
has appointed Rev. Edward Baretto, a priest of the Diocese of Darjeeling and
currently the Director of the Divya Vani Pastoral Centre, Darjeeling, as the
Coadjutor Bishop of Darjeeling.<o:p></o:p>

Rev. Fr. Edward Baretto was born on 5 January 1965 and
ordained a priest on 25 March 1993 for the Diocese of Darjeeling. He completed
his Philosophy studies (1985–1988) and Theology studies (1989–1992) at Morning
Star College, Barrackpore. He later earned a Master’s degree in Philosophy from
Jnana Deepa, Pune (1996–1998), and a Licentiate in Canon Law from St. Peter’s
Pontifical Institute, Bangalore (2001–2003).<o:p></o:p>

Alongside his academic formation, Rev. Fr. Baretto served in
several pastoral and administrative roles, including Assistant Director of John
XXIII Institute Minor Seminary, Darjeeling (1993–1996; 2003–2004), and
Professor of Philosophy at Morning Star College, Barrackpore (1998–2001). He
was Quasi Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Liza Hill Tea Garden
(2004–2007), and Parish Priest at Mary Mother of God Church, Kalimpong
(2007–2016). He later served as Parish Priest of St. Paul’s Church, Tadong (2021–2022)
and as Director of the Gianora Home for Retired Priests (2017–2018).<o:p></o:p>

Since 2004, Rev. Fr. Baretto has been the Judicial Vicar of
the Diocese of Darjeeling, and from 2018, he has also served as Judicial Vicar
of Bagdogra. He worked as Judge at the Ecclesiastical Marriage Tribunal of
Kalimpong (2016–2018).<o:p></o:p>

He currently serves as Director of the Divya Vani Pastoral
Centre (since 2022), Secretary of the Diocesan Liturgy Commission (since 2023),
Secretary of the Bengal–Sikkim Regional Canon Law Commission (since 2024), and
Coordinator of the Diocesan Commissions (since 2025).<o:p></o:p>

CBCI News Highlights

Christmas Under Threat: CBCI Condemns Hate, Demands Protection For Christians

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan Calls Jesus’ Message a Beacon of Compassion a...

Indian Vice President to Grace CBCI Christmas Celebrations 2025 as Chief Guest

CBCI Welcomes Supreme Court's Strong Stance Against Frivolous Petitions

Supreme Court Issues Notice in Writ Petition Filed by the Catholic Bishops’ Conf...

Hon’ble West Bengal Governor Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose Visits CBCI Centre

CBCI Legal Cell and Council for Women Hold National Seminar on Safeguarding Reli...

Pope Leo XIV Appoints Rev. Edward Baretto as Coadjutor Bishop of Darjeeling