Kochi - Mar Andrews Thazhath, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archeparchy of Thrissur and Apostolic Administrator of Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese, was elected as the new President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (C.B.C.I.). The election of the new president was held at the 35th General Body Meeting of CBCI held at St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bengaluru.

The crucial decision was taken in the meeting which saw the attendance of bishops from 174 dioceses of India.

Born on December 13, 1951, Mar Andrews Thazhath, was ordained a priest on March 14, 1977. Having earned his Doctorate in Ecclesiastical Law, he served in various areas of the Archdiocese of Thrissur. On May 1, 2004, he was ordained as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Thrissur, and on March 18, 2007, he was elevated as the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archeparchy of Thrissur.

Mar Andrews Thazhath is a member of the Permanent Synod of Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Chairman of Public Affairs Commission, Convener of Education Committee, Member of the KCBC Vigilance Commission, and Member of KCBC Education Commission. He has also led the church in Kerala as the KCBC President.

He was appointed by Pope Francis on July 30, 2022 as the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (C.B.C.I.) is the permanent association of the Catholic Bishops of India. It was formally constituted in September 1944 at the Conference of Metropolitans held in Madras. Its objectives are to facilitate coordinated study and discussion of questions affecting the Church and the adoption of a common policy and effective action in all matters concerning the interests of the Church in India.