New Delhi: In a significant ecclesiastical announcement, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed Rt. Rev. Dr. D. Selvarajan Dasan as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Neyyattinkara. The appointment follows the Holy Fatherâs acceptance of the resignation of Rt. Rev. Vincent Samuel, who has faithfully shepherded the diocese since its establishment in 1996.
Bishop Selvarajan Dasanâs elevation marks a continuation of his long-standing pastoral and administrative service within the Latin Church in Kerala. He was previously named Coadjutor Bishop of Neyyattinkara by Pope Francis on February 8, 2025, a position that prepared him to assume full episcopal leadership upon the retirement of Bishop Samuel.
Born on January 27, 1962, in Valiyavila within the Diocese of Neyyattinkara, Bishop Selvarajan Dasan has dedicated his life to the service of the Church. After completing his philosophical and theological formation at St. Josephâs Pontifical Seminary, Alwaye, he pursued advanced studies in Canon Law, earning a Licentiate and Doctorate from the UniversitĂ© Catholique de Louvain in Belgium.
He was ordained a priest on December 23, 1987, for the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Trivandrum of the Latins. Over nearly four decades of priestly ministry, Bishop Selvarajan has served in a wide range of pastoral, educational, and judicial capacities. His early assignments included serving as Parish Priest of St. Albertâs Church, Muthiyavila (1988â1994) and Director of Catechesis in the Archdiocese of Trivandrum (1991â1995). He later led St. Judeâs Church, Chinnathurai (1994â1995) and St. Theresaâs Church, Manikkapuram (1995).
His administrative and judicial expertise was recognized through appointments as Defender of the Bond at the Trivandrum Tribunal, Director of Pastoral Care (2001â2003), and Defender of the Bond of the Tribunal of Neyyattinkara (2001â2011). He also served as Chancellor of the Diocese (2008â2014) and Judicial Vicar of Neyyattinkara since 2011, alongside his duties as Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier Church, Thirupuram from 2019 onwards.
Throughout his ministry, Bishop Selvarajan has been known for his pastoral sensitivity, theological depth, and strong commitment to canonical justice. His leadership roles as Director of Schools, Member of the College of Consultors, and Member of the Diocesan Council for Economic Affairs underscore his multifaceted contribution to diocesan administration and faith formation.
He was ordained a Bishop on March 25, 2025, marking a new chapter in his spiritual journey. With his appointment as the Bishop of Neyyattinkara, Bishop Selvarajan Dasan assumes responsibility for one of Keralaâs most dynamic dioceses one that has witnessed significant growth in education, social outreach, and pastoral development under Bishop Vincent Samuelâs stewardship.
His episcopal leadership is expected to build upon this foundation, focusing on evangelization, youth formation, and renewed pastoral engagement within the fast-evolving social landscape of southern Kerala.
As the Diocese of Neyyattinkara welcomes its new shepherd, the Catholic community across India joins in prayer for Bishop Selvarajan Dasan that his ministry may continue to reflect the spirit of humble service and unwavering faith that has defined his priestly life.