CBCI Elects New Leadership at 37th General Body Meeting

Bengaluru, 7 February 2026:

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) elected its new office bearers for a two-year term during the 37th General Body Meeting held in Bengaluru on 7 February 2026.

Archbishop Thomas Mar Koorilos of Trivandrum was elected Vice President–First, while Archbishop Mathew Moolakkatt of Kottayam was chosen as Vice President–Second. Archbishop Anil Couto was re-elected as Secretary General of the CBCI, continuing his responsibility in coordinating the Conference’s national pastoral and administrative work.

The newly elected leadership highlights the ecclesial and liturgical diversity of the Catholic Church in India. Archbishop Anil Couto belongs to the Latin Rite, Archbishop Thomas Mar Koorilos represents the Syro-Malankara Rite, and Archbishop Mathew Moolakkatt is from the Syro-Malabar Rite, reflecting the inclusive character of the CBCI’s leadership structure.

The Conference also acknowledged the service of the outgoing office bearers—Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath as President, Archbishop George Anthonysamy as Vice President–First, and Bishop Joseph Mar Thomas as Vice President–Second—for their leadership during the previous term.

During the same General Body Meeting, Cardinal Poola Anthony, Archbishop of Hyderabad, was elected President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India.

By Fr. Robinson Rodrigues

PRO

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