Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has named Bishop Antonisamy Savarimuthu as the new Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, elevating a prelate known for his pastoral zeal and administrative experience. The official announcement was made from the Vatican on Saturday, July 5.
Until this appointment, Bishop Antonisamy was serving as the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Madurai, while concurrently leading the Diocese of Palayamkottai as its bishop. His appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of South India’s most prominent Catholic archdioceses.
Born on December 8, 1960, in Vadakku Vandanam, a village in the Diocese of Thoothukudi, Bishop Antonisamy was ordained a priest on April 26, 1987, for the Diocese of Palayamkottai. Over the decades, he served the Church in various capacities, earning recognition for his pastoral sensitivity, commitment to education, and community engagement.
On November 20, 2019, he was named Bishop of Palayamkottai by the Vatican, and on December 15, 2019, he was consecrated as bishop. In 2024, he was entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the Archdiocese of Madurai as Apostolic Administrator following the vacancy of the metropolitan seat.
With his formal elevation now confirmed, Archbishop-designate Antonisamy will shepherd the faithful of Madurai with the full authority of a Metropolitan Archbishop. His appointment is seen as a continuation of his dedicated service to the region and a recognition of his leadership during a transitional period for the archdiocese.
The Archdiocese of Madurai, known for its deep Catholic roots and historical significance in the Tamil Church, now looks forward to renewed pastoral direction under the guidance of its new shepherd.