New Delhi, February 15, 2025, CBCI: The director of the Holy See Press Office updates reporters on Pope Francis’ health following his admittance to hospital on Friday.
Pope Francis had a "restful night" and "slept well," Vatican Press Office Director, Matteo Bruni, informed journalists on Saturday morning.
He said the Holy Father, who was admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital on Friday for a respiratory tract infection, had breakfast and read newspapers as he continues his pharmacological treatment and medical tests.
Bruni stated that the Pope’s fever has not worsened and that further updates on his condition will be provided in the afternoon.
The Vatican Press Office had announced on February 14 that Pope Francis was experiencing a "slight fever" upon his admission and had begun hospital-based medical treatment.
(News curtesy: Vatican News) 


Pope Francis spends ‘restful night’ at Gemelli Hospital

New Delhi, February 14, 2025. CBCI: Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic for medical treatment as he continued to battle bronchitis, the Holy See Press Office confirmed.
Following his morning audiences, the Pontiff underwent a series of diagnostic tests and received hospital care to manage his condition. He had been struggling with bronchitis for several days, acknowledging his illness during recent public engagements.
Gemelli Hospital, often referred to as the "Pope’s hospital" due to its history of treating pontiffs, had previously cared for Pope Francis during past health concerns. The Vatican did not provide a timeline for his stay but assured that he would receive the necessary treatment and monitoring.


Pope Francis Admitted to Gemelli Hospital for Bronchitis Treatment

New Delhi, February 13, 2025, CBCI: Vatican News reports that during his General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis renewed his heartfelt appeal for peace, urging the faithful to include it in their daily prayers.
“I think of all those countries that are at war,” the Pope said, making an impromptu plea beyond his prepared remarks. “Sisters, brothers, let us pray for peace. Let us all do our part.”
He emphasized that humanity is meant to nurture and uplift rather than destroy. “We are not born to kill, but to help people grow. May we find pathways of peace,” he stated.


Pope Francis Urges Daily Prayers for Peace

New Delhi, February 12, 2025, CBCI: In a powerful message to French President Emmanuel Macron on the occasion of the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit, Pope Francis underscored the urgent need for human oversight in AI decision-making, warning that without proper control, AI could become a threat to human dignity.
Recalling his remarks at the G7 Session on Artificial Intelligence in Puglia (June 2024), the Pope reiterated his concern that AI, while an "exciting" innovation, could also reveal a "fearsome" side if allowed to operate without ethical constraints. "We must ensure and safeguard a space for proper human control over the choices made by artificial intelligence programs," he stated.
The Pope praised the initiative, particularly its inclusive approach in engaging diverse voices to prevent AI from imposing rigid socio-economic and cultural models.


Pope Francis Warns of AI Risks, Calls for Human Oversight at Paris Summit

New Delhi, February 08, 2025 CBCI: His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Bernard Laloo of the clergy of the Archdiocese of Shillong, until now Chancellor of the same Archdiocese, as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Shillong.
Rev. Bernard Laloo was born on June 16, 1976 at Laitlyngkot, Meghalaya, and was ordained a priest on April 30, 2006, for the Archdioceses of Shillong.  He served the Archdiocese as Assistant of St. Paul’s Church, Upper Shillong (2006-2007), Administrator of Christ the King College, Shillong (2008), Dean of Studies at St. Paul’s Seminary, Shillong (2009-2015), Principal of Divine Saviour Higher Secondary School, Laitumkhrah (2015-2016), Director of Social Service Center, Shillong (2017-2021), Board member of Caritas India (2021-2024). And from 2022 to date, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Shillong and Parish Priest of the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Laitumkhrah.  He was also a former member of the Farmers’ Commission, as well as of the State Tuberculosis Co-morbidity Coordination Committee, Government of Meghalaya. 
He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Masters of Arts in Sociology besides he has Post Graduate Diplomas in Counselling Psychology.

This provision is made public in Rome on Saturday February 8, 2025 at 12 hrs and at CBCI Centre in New Delhi, India at 16.30 hrs IST.

Rev. Bernard Laloo Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Shillong by Pope Francis

New Delhi, February 08, 2025 CBCI: His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Selvarajan Dasan of the clergy of the Diocese of Neyyattinkara, until now Judicial Vicar of the same diocese, as Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Neyyattinkara. 
The Bishop-elect was born on January 27, 1962 at Valiyavila. He had his minor seminary formation at St. Vincent Minor Seminary, Trivandrum and Philosophy and Theology studies at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Alwaye. He was ordained a priest on December 23, 1987 for the diocese of Neyyattinkara. He has a Doctorate in Canon Law from Catholic University Louvain, Belgium. 
He was Parish Priests in several parishes: St. Albert’s Church, Muthiyavila (1988-1994); St. Jude Church, Chinnathurai of the Archdiocese of Trivandrum (1994); St. Theresa’s Church Manickapuram (1995); St. Paul’s Church Maranalloor (2001-2008); Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Neyyattinkara (2008-2014); Sacred Heart Church, Olathanni (2014-2019); St. Francis Xavier’s Church, Thirupuram (2019-2025); St Joseph’s Church, Pathanvila (2025-). 
He also was Executive Secretary of Commission for Evangelization for the Archdiocese of Trivandrum (1991-1995), Defender of the Bond for the Archdiocese of Trivandrum (2001-2003) and for the Diocese of Neyyattinkara (2001-2011); Director of Pastoral Ministry (2001-2002); Director of Corporate Management of Schools (2002-2007); Director of Logos Pastoral Centre (2006-2011 and 2014-2019).
Currently He is also a member of the College of Consultors and a member of the Diocesan Finance Council from 2007 and Judicial Vicar from 2011. 
This provision is made public in Rome on Saturday February 8, 2025 at 12 hrs and at CBCI Centre in New Delhi, India at 16.30 hrs IST.

Rev. Selvarajan Dasan Appointed Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Neyyattinkara by Pope Francis

New Delhi, February 08, 2025 CBCI: His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Fabian Toppo of the clergy of the Diocese of Jalpaiguri, until now a Professor of Biblical Theology at Morning Star Regional College, Barrackpore, Calcutta, as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Jalpaiguri. 

The Bishop-elect was born on December 21, 1960 and was ordained a priest on December 3, 1994 for the diocese of Jalpaiguri. He had his minor seminary formation at St. John Mary Vianney Minor Seminary, Barasat, Kolkata (1982-1983) and Philosophical studies at the Papal Seminary, Pune (1987-1989) and Theological studies at the Pontifical Urbanian University, Rome (1989-1994) and later obtained a Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the same university (2007-20015). 
Rev. Fabian has taken up many key assignments in his diocese.  The Director of the Candidates’ House at Jalpaiguri, Teacher at St.Ambrose Open School and the Diocesan Director Bible, Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue (1994-1998). The Parish Priest of Shanti Rani Mongradangi Parish (1998-2001), a Professor at Morning Star Regional Seminary and College, Kolkata (2002-2007). Having returned after his Doctorate in Rome in 2016, he was again appointed to Morning Star Regional Seminary as a Professor of Biblical Theology and he continues to hold the same position until now.  
This provision is made public in Rome on Saturday February 8, 2025 at 12 hrs and at CBCI Centre in New Delhi, India at 16.30 hrs IST.

Rev. Fabian Toppo Appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Jalpaiguri by Pope Francis

New Delhi, February 08, 2025 CBCI: His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Rt. Rev. Udumala Bala Showreddy until now Bishop of Warangal, as the new Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Vishakhapatnam. 
The Archbishop-elect was born on June 18, 1954 in Ghanpur in Andhra Pradesh and was ordained a priest on February 20, 1979 for the diocese of Warangal.  He has served in several pastoral and administrative roles in his diocese before becoming a bishop. He began his pastoral ministry as Assistant Priest at Dornakal, Warangal. He was Parish Priest at Produtur Ravinuthala, Cheruvumadaram. He was Procurator at Bishop’s House, Fatimanagar in 1986. He was a Professor of Moral Theology at St. John’s Regional Seminary Hyderabad from 1994 to 2006 and during which from 1997 to 2006 he was Rector of the same Seminary. He has acquired a Doctorate in Moral Theology from Alphonsianum Rome.
He was appointed Bishop of Warangal on April 13, 2013 and consecrated Bishop on May 23, 2013. He was also Apostolic Administrator of diocese of Khammam from September 2022 to April 2024.
This provision is made public in Rome on Saturday February 8, 2025 at 12 hrs and at CBCI Centre in New Delhi, India at 16.30 hrs IST.

Rt. Rev. Udumala Bala Showreddy Appointed Archbishop of Visakhapatnam by Pope Francis

New Delhi, February 3, 2025 CBCI: Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), has congratulated the newly elected leadership of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) and extended his best wishes for their ministry.
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão has been re-elected as CCBI President, while Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore has been elected as Vice President and Archbishop Vincent Aind of Ranchi as Secretary General. The elections were held during the 36th Plenary Assembly of the CCBI at XIM University, Bhubaneswar.


Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, President CBCI, Congratulates New CCBI Leadership

New Delhi, January 27, 2025, CBCI: His Grace Andrews Mar Thazhathu, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), has extended heartfelt congratulations and prayerful best wishes to Mar George Jacob Cardinal Koovakad on his appointment as the Coordinator of Apostolic Journeys and Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue by His Holiness Pope Francis.

In his message to Cardinal Koovakad, His Grace Mar Thazhathu assured him of the unwavering prayers and support of the Indian Church as he assumes these significant responsibilities within the Vatican Curia. His Grace also expressed profound gratitude to Pope Francis for entrusting such a prestigious role to a distinguished son of the Indian Catholic Church, acknowledging the honor this appointment brings to the Church in India.

The CBCI joins in celebrating this historic moment and prays for Cardinal Koovakad’s success in fostering dialogue and unity among diverse religious communities worldwide.

His Grace Andrews Mar Thazhathu Congratulates Cardinal Mar George Jacob Koovakad on Prestigious Vatican Appointment

New Delhi, January 25, 2025, CBCI: Since the Holy Father Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias from the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Bombay, Rt. Rev. John Rodrigues, until now Coadjutor Bishop of the same Archdiocese has assumed the office as Archbishop of Bombay.
He was born on 21 August 1967 in Mumbai and was ordained priest on 18 April 1988 for the Archdiocese of Bombay. After his ordination, he has been Assistant Parish Priest at St. Michael Church, Mahim (1998-1999), Secretary of the Archbishop of Bombay (1999-200), Professor of Systematic Theology, St. Pius X College (2010-2013), Secretary of the Priests’ Council (2010-2013), Dean of the studies, St. Pius X College (2011-2013), Archdiocesan Co-ordinator of the Year of Faith (2012-2013), Rector of St. Pius X College (2013-2023).
He has a Licentiate in Systematic Theology at the Pontifical Lateran University, Rome (2000-2002).
He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay on May 15, 2013 and consecrated Bishop on 29 June 2013.
As Auxiliary Bishop he has been Rector of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount Bandra, Mumbai. 
He was appointed Bishop of Poona on March 25, 2023, and he took canonical possession of the Diocese on May 24, 2023.
He was appointed as Coadjutor Bishop of Bombay on November 30, 2024.  

This provision is made public in Rome on Saturday January 25, 2025 at 12 hrs and at CBCI Centre in India at 16.30 hrs IST.

Rt. Rev. John Rodrigues Assumes the office as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Bombay

New Delhi, January 25, 2025, CBCI: The Holy Father Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias from the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Bombay.
Cardinal Gracias was born in Mumbai to Jervis and Aduzinda Gracias on December 24, 1944. He completed his school studies at St. Michael's School in Mahim and joined college at the Jesuit St. Xavier's College, Mumbai. After a year, he entered the Seminary of St. Pius X in Bombay, where he studied philosophy and theology. Gracias was ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Valerian Gracias on December 20, 1970. 
Gracias attended the Pontifical Urbaniana University from 1976 to 1982 and obtained a doctorate in canon law, a diploma in jurisprudence. He served the Archdiocese of Bombay in various capacities; chancellor, judge and judicial vicar of the metropolitan tribunal, archdiocesan consultor. He also taught as a visiting professor in the seminaries of Bombay, Poona, and Bangalore. He was also president of the Canon Law Society of India.
He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay and Titular Bishop of Bladia by Pope John Paul on 28 June 28, 1997.  He was consecrated bishop on September 16 1997. Pope John Paul II named him Archbishop of Agra on September 7, 2000.
Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Archbishop of Bombay on October 14, 2006.
He has served Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) in various capacities; first as its secretary General and later its Vice President and President.								
On 17 October 2007, Pope Benedict XVI announced that he would elevate Gracias s to the College of Cardinals on October 17, 2007.  At the consistory in St. Peter's Basilica he was created Cardinal-Priest of San Paolo della Croce a Corviale on June 28, 1997
Pope Benedict named him a member of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts on May 6, 2008 and of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on July 6, 2010.
Gracias was elected secretary general of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) and later as its President he led the organization from 2010 to 2019.
He was appointed a member of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications on December 29, 2011; a member of the Congregation for Catholic Education on September 18, 2012.  He was also appointed by Pope Benedict XVI to serve as a synod father for the October 2012 Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization.
He participated in the Conclave, which elected Pope Francis. On April 13, 2013 he was appointed to the Council of Cardinal Advisers, a group established by Pope Francis to advise him and to study a plan for revising the Apostolic Constitution on the Roman Curia.
On 6 December 2019, the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples notified Gracias that Pope Francis wants Gracias to remain Archbishop. Gracias had submitted his resignation as required in anticipation of his 75th birthday.
 Pope Francis has recently appointed him as the coordinator for a new study group which will evaluate the roles and functions of papal representatives across the global Church.

His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias Retires from the Pastoral Governance of the Archdiocese of Bombay

New Delhi, January 24, 2025, CBCI: Pope Francis has appointed His Eminence Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, the coordinator of Apostolic Journeys at the Secretariat of State, as the new Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.
The Holy See Press Office announced the appointment on Friday, noting that Cardinal Koovakad will continue in his current role organizing papal visits alongside his new responsibilities.
Upon receiving the news, the Indian-born Cardinal expressed his emotions: “I feel wonder, joy, and great trepidation for the immense responsibility of succeeding a wise and kind man like Cardinal Ayuso, and a man of profound faith and tireless peacebuilder like Cardinal Tauran.”
The Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue is responsible for fostering relations with members and groups of non-Christian religions, with the exception of Judaism, which is overseen by the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity.


Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad Appointed Prefect of Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue

New Delhi, January 24, 2025, CBCI: Our Lady of Divine Grace Shrine, Mokama, Bihar, has been elevated to the status of a Minor Basilica by His Holiness Pope Francis. The official declaration was made during a solemn Eucharistic celebration on 24 January 2025 by His Grace, Most Rev. Anil Thomas Couto, Archbishop of Delhi and Secretary General of the CBCI, in the presence of His Eminence Anthony Cardinal Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad, and numerous bishops, priests, and faithful.

Dedicated on 3 November 1947, the shrine has been a sanctuary of faith and devotion for generations, drawing pilgrims from across India and beyond. The title of Minor Basilica highlights the shrine’s historical, architectural, and spiritual importance, placing it among the most revered Catholic sites worldwide.

Celebrations included special Masses and prayers, with His Grace, Sebastian Kallupura, Archbishop of Patna, expressing joy, calling it "a testament to the deep faith and devotion of our community." The shrine continues its mission of spreading peace, love, and grace, inspiring devotees to deepen their spiritual lives.

Our Lady of Divine Grace Shrine, Mokama, Bihar, has been elevated to the status of a Minor Basilica by His Holiness Pope Francis

New Delhi, January 20, 2025, CBCI: In a significant milestone for women's leadership in the Vatican, Pope Francis has announced that Sister Raffaella Petrini, currently serving as Secretary General, will assume the role of President of the Vatican City State Governatorate starting in March. This appointment follows the retirement of Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga.
The announcement was made during an interview with Fabio Fazio on Italian TV channel Nove's program Che tempo che fa, aired on Sunday evening. Sister Petrini's appointment marks another step forward in the Pope’s ongoing efforts to include women in key Vatican leadership positions.
Reflecting on the increasing role of women in the Curia, Pope Francis remarked, “The work of women in the Curia has progressed slowly but effectively. Now, we have many. At the Governatorate, the Secretary General, who will become President in March, is a nun... Women manage better than we do.”
This appointment follows the recent historic selection of Sister Simona Brambilla as Prefect of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life, further emphasizing the Vatican's commitment to promoting women to prominent roles within its governance structure.


CBCI News Highlights

Pope Francis spends ‘restful night’ at Gemelli Hospital

Pope Francis Admitted to Gemelli Hospital for Bronchitis Treatment

Pope Francis Urges Daily Prayers for Peace

Pope Francis Warns of AI Risks, Calls for Human Oversight at Paris Summit

Rev. Bernard Laloo Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Shillong by ...

Rev. Selvarajan Dasan Appointed Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Neyyattinkara...

Rev. Fabian Toppo Appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Jalpaiguri by Pope Francis

Rt. Rev. Udumala Bala Showreddy Appointed Archbishop of Visakhapatnam by Pope Fr...

Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, President CBCI, Congratulates New CCBI Leadership

His Grace Andrews Mar Thazhathu Congratulates Cardinal Mar George Jacob Koovakad...

Rt. Rev. John Rodrigues Assumes the office as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of B...

His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias Retires from the Pastoral Governance of the...

Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad Appointed Prefect of Dicastery for Interreligious...

Our Lady of Divine Grace Shrine, Mokama, Bihar, has been elevated to the status ...

Sister Raffaella Petrini to Lead Vatican Governatorate in Historic Appointment