Bangalore: Pope Francis has announced the appointment of new bishops to four dioceses across India, including Fr. Thomas D’Souza as the new Bishop of Vasai in Maharashtra, Fr. Ambrose Pitchaimuthu as the Bishop of Vellore in Tamil Nadu, and Rev. Anthony Das Pilli as the Coadjutor Bishop of Nellore in Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, Bishop Paul Simick, formerly the Apostolic Vicar of Nepal, has been transferred to serve as the Bishop of Bagdogra in West Bengal. These appointments were revealed on November 9, 2024.

Bishop Paul Simick: A Life of Service and Learning

Bishop Paul Simick, born on August 7, 1963, in Gitdubling in the Diocese of Darjeeling, holds a Doctorate in Biblical Theology from the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome. Ordained a priest in 1992, he has held several significant positions, including Hostel Prefect at Namchi Public School, Pastor of St. Maurice Church in Suruk, Professor of Sacred Scripture at Morning Star College, and Dean of East Sikkim Deanery. Appointed as Apostolic Vicar of Nepal in 2014, he received his episcopal consecration the same year. Now, as Bishop of Bagdogra, Bishop Simick continues his mission of spiritual leadership and service.

Bishop Thomas D’Souza: A Dedicated Pastor and Educator

Bishop Thomas D’Souza, born on March 23, 1970, in Chulne (Diocese of Vasai), brings a wealth of pastoral experience to his new role as Bishop of Vasai. He studied Philosophy and Theology at St. Pius X College in Goregaon and was ordained a priest in 1998. He holds a Master’s degree in Philosophy and Religion from Madras University. Throughout his priesthood, Bishop D’Souza has served in various roles, including Rector of the Minor Seminary in Remedy and Pastor of Divine Mercy Church in Bhiwandi. Since 2019, he has been the Pastor of Holy Spirit Church and Principal of St. Joseph High School and Junior College in Nandakhal.

Coadjutor Bishop Anthony Das Pilli: A Scholar and Leader

Born on August 24, 1973, in Donakonda, Bishop Anthony Das Pilli has a deep academic and pastoral background. He earned his Doctorate in Dogmatic Theology from the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome and was ordained a priest in 2000 for the Diocese of Nellore. He has held several key positions, including Secretary to the Bishop of Nellore, Pastor of Gudlur, Rector of St. John’s Minor Seminary, and Professor of Dogmatic Theology. Bishop Das Pilli's scholarly work and leadership within the Church will play a key role in his new responsibilities as Coadjutor Bishop of Nellore.

Bishop Ambrose Pitchaimuthu: A Visionary for Missions and Proclamation

Bishop Ambrose Pitchaimuthu, born on May 3, 1966, in Cheyyur, Tamil Nadu, brings a wealth of experience in both philosophy and pastoral leadership to his new role as Bishop of Vellore. After completing his priestly studies at Sacred Heart Seminary in Chennai, he earned a Doctorate in Philosophy from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. Ordained in 1993, Bishop Pitchaimuthu has held important positions, including Assistant Pastor, Professor, Vice-Rector at Sacred Heart Seminary, and Vicar General of Chingleput. Since 2018, he has been serving as the National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in India and Executive Secretary of the Commission for Proclamation for the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India.

These appointments reflect Pope Francis' continued commitment to strengthening the leadership and spiritual guidance of the Church in India, empowering these dedicated bishops to serve their dioceses with faith, wisdom, and vision.