Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo of Udupi Retires

New Delhi, 31 January 2026 (CCBI): The Holy Father Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo (76) from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Udupi, effective 31 January 2026.

Bishop Lobo served as Bishop of Shimoga from 2000 to 2012 and as Bishop of Udupi from 2012 to 2026. He is presently the Chairman of the CCBI Committee for the Implementation of the Pastoral Plan.

Born on 12 November 1949, Bishop Lobo was ordained a priest on 5 May 1977. He began his priestly ministry as Assistant Parish Priest at Urwa Church, Mangalore (1977–1979), and at Shirva (1979–1982). He later served as Parish Priest of Badyar from 1982 to 1990.

From 1990 to 1998, he was Director of the Canara Organisation for Development and Peace (CODP), the social service agency of the Diocese of Mangalore. He also served as Episcopal Vicar of the Kasaragod Deanery. He holds postgraduate diplomas in Social Development Planning from the Coady International Institute, Canada, and in Entrepreneurship Development from the Friedrich-Naumann Stiftung, Germany.

He was appointed Bishop of Shimoga on 3 December 1999 and was ordained on 20 March 2000. He served the Diocese of Shimoga for twelve years. On 16 July 2012, he was appointed the first Bishop of the newly erected Diocese of Udupi and was installed on 15 October 2012.

Throughout his episcopal ministry, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo has been known as a dedicated pastor and committed leader. He showed special concern for youth, the poor, and the marginalized. His humility, simplicity, and approachable nature earned him the respect and affection of clergy, religious, and the faithful.

By Dr. Stephen Alathara