CBCIWelcome to Catholic Bishops' Conference of India
The CBCI unites the Catholic bishops of India in their pastoral and spiritual leadership. Rooted in the Gospel and guided by the love of Christ, we are dedicated to deepening faith, fostering unity among our diverse communities, and promoting social justice and peace across the nation.
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ALERTS
Pope Leo XIV Urges Diplomats to Foster Peace Rooted in Justice, Truth, and Hope•Pope Leo XIV Urges Eastern Catholics to Preserve Their Heritage and Foster Peace•Holy See Reaffirms Commitment to Ending Child Labor at UN Dialogue•CBCI President Archbishop Andrews Thazhath Meets Pope Leo XIV in Vatican, Extends Warm Welcome and Formal Invitation to Visit India•Rome hosts Jubilee of Eastern Churches•Jubilee of Eastern Churches: Divine Liturgy in Ethiopian Rite at St. Peter’s•CBCI Hosts Second National Ecumenical Bishops’ Fellowship and Consultation on Formation of National Federation of Churches•Pope Leo XIV Urges Media to 'Disarm Words' and Promote Peace in Address to Journalists•Vatican Sends Vesak Greetings, Calls for “Liberating Dialogue” Between Buddhists and Christians•Pope Leo XIV Visits Chapel of Papal Apartments in the Apostolic Palace•Pope Leo XIV prays at tomb of late Pope Francis at St. Mary Major•Pope visits Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano outside Rome•‘Whatever She Tells You, Do It’ - Pilgrimage to Genazzano Shrine Highlights Marian Devotion•Pope Leo XIV to lead first Regina Caeli prayer today•Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass at the tomb of Saint Peter•Pope Leo XIV expresses satisfaction over India-Pakistan ceasefire, urges wider Global Peace•Seals removed from the Papal apartment of the Apostolic Palace• Pope Leo XIV to Cardinals: Church must respond to digital revolution•CBCI Calls for National Day of Prayer for Peace Amid Rising Security Concerns•Pope Leo XIV's motto and coat of arms•Pope Leo XIV's Pectoral cross holds relics of Saints Augustine and Monica•The motto of Pope Leo XIV: “In the One, we are one.”•His Holiness Pope Leo XIV: The New Shepherd of the Universal Church•CBCI Standing Committee Holds Thanksgiving Mass for Newly Elected Pope Leo XIV•CBCI Expresses Joy and Loyalty Following Election of Pope Leo XIV•Pope Leo XIV Celebrates First Mass as Pontiff: "We Are to Bear Witness to Our Joyful Faith in Christ"•Inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV to be held on May 18•The Conclave begins to elect 267th pope•Black smoke signals end of first day of conclave•Black Smoke: No election after morning of first full day of conclave•Habemus Papam!•CBCI President Archbishop Andrews Thazhath Congratulates Newly Elected Pope Leo XIV•Procession of the Cardinals from the Pauline Chapel to the Sistine Chapel and entrance into the Conclave and schedule of the Conclave•Officials and Conclave staff take Oath of Secrecy in Pauline Chapel•11th General Congregation focuses on migration, synodality, unity•‘Christian entrepreneurs in India are the architects of the Nation, shaping the nation with vision, integrity, and faith’: CBCI President, Archbishop Andrews Thazhath•12th General Congregation focuses on necessary qualities for a future Pope•Cardinals invite faithful to pray for peace•Cardinal Mamberti: Pope Francis, faithful to his mission with all his strength•CBCI President Archbishop Andrews Thazhath Calls for Nationwide Prayer on May 7 as Cardinals Prepare to Elect New Pope•Cardinals discuss need for hope this Jubilee at ninth General Congregation•The Popemobile of Peace: Pope Francis’ final gift to Gaza•Sistine Chapel prepared to host Cardinals for conclave on May 7•Cardinal Gugerotti: Eastern brothers and sisters enrich Church's universality•Cardinal Fernández: Pope Francis was a tireless worker•Cardinals discuss Evangelisation and mission at eighth General Congregation•CBCI Legal Cell Convenes Meeting on Rising Human Rights Violations•CBCI Office for Labour and the Workers India Federation Celebrates the Jubilee of Workers on International Workers’ Day•Conclave: Who will elect the next Pope•Cardinals recognize right to vote of all Cardinal electors in conclave•UN Secretary General remembers Pope Francis•Cardinals ask faithful to pray for their discernment for new Pope•Cardinals discuss economic situation of the Holy See at General Congregation•Cardinals announce pre-conclave Mass at sixth General Congregation•Cardinals thank attendees and organizers of Pope’s funeral•Conclave to elect new Pope to begin on May 7th•Divine Mercy Sunday and Novemdiales: Cardinal Pietro Parolin to Preside Over Second Day of Eucharistic Celebration•Cardinal Parolin at Novemdiales Mass: ‘Mercy takes us to heart of faith’•The funeral Mass for Pope Francis on Saturday•Final Journey of Pope Francis Toward Saint Mary Major Basilica•Final Journey of Pope Francis Toward Saint Mary Major Basilica•Honorable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, pays homage to Late Pope Francis•Archbishop Diego Ravelli spread a white silk cloth over the face of the Pope Francis•Pope’s coffin sealed ahead of funeral on Saturday morning•Cardinal Re: ‘Pope Francis Gave His Life for His Flock Until the End•Pope’s tomb made of marble from the land of his Italian grandparents•Cardinals hold third General Congregation, begin conversation about Church•“The Poor Bid Farewell to Their Shepherd”: In a Final Act of Love, Needy Gather to Honor Pope Francis•Cardinals hold 4th General Congregation, prepare for ‘funeral of shepherd’•Honorable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Pays Homage to Pope Francis today•Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, President CBCI pays respect to Pope Francis at the Vatican Basilica•Second General Congregation of Cardinals held in the Vatican•Novemdiales: Cardinals set schedule for nine days of mourning•Archdiocese of Delhi Offers Holy Mass in Loving Memory of Pope Francis•Transfer of the coffin of Pope Francis from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica•Pope Francis’ mortal remains carried to St. Peter’s Basilica•Thousands pay final respects to Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica•CBCI Condemns in Strongest Terms the Terrorist Attack on Innocent Tourists in Pahalgam•Vatican to Hold Ceremony for the Closing of Pope Francis’ Coffin on Friday•Pope Francis’ death due to stroke and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse•Pope Francis' Spiritual Testament•Pope Francis laid to rest in single open coffin in final humble gesture•Pope Francis’ body to lie in state until funeral on Saturday morning•Translation of the coffin of the Roman Pontiff Francis into the Vatican Basilica•General Congregations of Cardinals begin in the Vatican•CBCI CENTRE family pays homage to late Pope Francis•Pope Francis delivers Urbi et Orbi Easter Message, calls for Peace, Compassion, and Global Solidarity•Pope Francis has died on Easter Monday at age of 88•Faith leaders gather in Delhi to pay tribute to Pope Francis•CBCI Honors Pope Francis: Church in India Unites in Prayer and Mourning•India Mourns the Passing of Pope Francis: CBCI Declares Nine Days of National Observance•India Declares Three-Day State Mourning for Pope Francis•Pope Francis urges embrace of compassion over cold logic in Good Friday reflections•Rejoice in the Risen Lord: CBCI President urges hope, compassion, and renewal in Easter message•Pope Francis visits prison inmates on Holy Thursday
Pope Leo XIV
Supreme Pontiff
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.
CBCI Leadership
President
Most Rev. Andrews Thazhath
Metropolitan Archbishop of Thrissur
Vice President-I
Most Rev. George Antony samy
Metropolitan Archbishop of Madras - Mylapore
Vice President-II
Rt. Rev. Joseph Mar Thomas
Bishop of Bathery
Secretary General
Most Rev. Anil Joseph Thomas Couto
Metropolitan Archbishop of New Delhi
Deputy Secretary General
Rev. Fr. Mathew Koyickal
Director of CBCI Centre
Regional Offices
Kerala (KCBC)
PresidentHis Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Thottunkal (Trivandrum)
Vice PresidentRt. Rev. Mar Pauly Kannookadan (Irinjalakuda)
Secretary GeneralRt. Rev. Alex Vadakumthala (Kannur)
Deputy Secretary GeneralRev. Fr. Thomas Tharayil
Tamil Nadu (TNBC)
PresidentMost Rev. George Antonysamy (Madras-Mylapore)
Vice PresidentMost Rev. Dr. A Lawrence Pius, Bishop of Dharmapuri
Secretary GeneralRt. Rev. Nazarene Soosai (Kottar)
Deputy Secretary GeneralRev. Fr. Francis Joseph
Karnataka (KCBC)
PresidentMost Rev. Peter Machado (Bangalore)
Secretary GeneralFr. S. Jayanathan
Agra (ARBC)
PresidentMost Rev. Raphy Manjaly (Agra)
Secretary GeneralRt. Rev. Ignatius D'Souza (Bareilly)
Deputy Secretary GeneralFr. Saji Palamattom
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
257
Dioceses
174
Churches
13309
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.
Bishops190
Dioceses132
Churches9360
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
Dioceses35
Churches2753
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.
Bishops16
Dioceses12
Churches1196
CBCI News Highlights
Stay updated with the latest news and updates from the Catholic Bishops Conference of India
Pope Leo XIV Urges Eastern Catholics to Preserve Their Herit...
Holy See Reaffirms Commitment to Ending Child Labor at UN Di...
CBCI President Archbishop Andrews Thazhath Meets Pope Leo XI...
Rome hosts Jubilee of Eastern Churches
Latest Events:
Faith, Service, and Community
Explore the transformative power of faith and the spirit of community through our latest initiatives and events. From global messages of hope to inspiring acts of service, we bring you closer to moments that matter.
Saints of India
St. Thomas the Apostle
St. Thomas the Apostle, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, is renowned for his profound faith despite initial doubts....
St. Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception
St. Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception, born in 1910 in Kerala, India, is the first Indian woman saint. Known for...
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St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara
St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, born in 1805 in Kerala, India, was a pioneering priest, educator, and social reformer. As the...
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St. Francis Xavier
St. Francis Xavier, a 16th-century Spanish Jesuit missionary, is one of the most influential figures in the history of Christianity....
St. Gonsalo Garcia
St. Gonsalo Garcia, a 16th-century missionary and martyr, was the first Indian-born saint of the Jesuit Order. A key figure...
St. Joseph Vaz
St. Joseph Vaz was a 17th-century missionary priest from Goa, India, known for his exceptional work in Sri Lanka, where...
St. Devasahayam Pillai
St. Devasahayam Pillai, a 17th-century martyr, is the first Indian layperson to be canonized as a saint by the Catholic...
St. Mariam Thresia
St. Mariam Thresia Chiramel Mankidiyan, a Kerala-based saint, is known for her deep spirituality, dedication to the service of the...
St. Bartholomew the Apostle
St. Bartholomew the Apostle, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, is traditionally identified with Nathanael in the Gospels. Known...
St. Pantaenus
St. Pantaenus, a 2nd-century Christian theologian, missionary, and scholar, was the head of the Catechetical School of Alexandria. Renowned for...
St. John de Brito
St. John de Brito, a 17th-century Portuguese Jesuit missionary, is remembered for his profound dedication to spreading Christianity in India....
St. Mariam Baouardy
St. Mariam Baouardy, also known as the 'Little Arab,' was a Lebanese nun who became a member of the Carmelites...
St. Euphrasia Eluvathingal
St. Euphrasia Eluvathingal, also known as St. Euphrasia of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was a Kerala-based Catholic nun who...
St. Teresa of Calcutta
St. Teresa of Calcutta, commonly known as Mother Teresa, was an Albanian-Indian Catholic nun and missionary who dedicated her life...
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