CBCI Elects New Office Bearers and Committee Heads at 2026 General Body Meeting

Bengaluru, Feb. 10, 2026: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has elected new office bearers and committee heads to lead its various commissions and institutions, as the 2026 General Body Meeting concluded here on Monday.

The week-long assembly, held from February 4 to 10 at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, brought together bishops from across the country to deliberate on the Church’s pastoral priorities and its engagement with society. Discussions focused on social welfare, education, healthcare, pastoral ministry, and coordinated responses to contemporary challenges facing the Church and the nation.

As part of the proceedings, the General Body elected Archbishop Anil Couto of Delhi as secretary general. The bishops also appointed chairmen to head key CBCI offices and institutes, ensuring continuity and coordinated leadership across sectors.

Bishop Vincent Paulos was elected chairman of the Office for Labour and Migrants, while Bishop Joseph Kallaranghat was appointed chairman of Dialogue and the Desk for Ecumenism. Bishop Johannes Gorantla, OCD, will lead the Office for Clergy, Religious and NVSC, and Archbishop Elias Gonsalves was elected chairman of Education and Culture.

Archbishop Thomas Netto was chosen to head Healthcare, and Bishop Jaya Rao Polimera was appointed chairman of the Office for Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes. Bishop Telesphore Bilung, SVD, will serve as chairman of Tribal Affairs, while Bishop Vijay Kumar Rayalara, PIME, was elected chairman of Social Communications and NISCORT.

Other appointments include Archbishop Raphy Manjaly as chairman of Doctrine, Bishop Ivan Pereira as chairman of Environment and Climate Change, Archbishop Peter Machado as chairman of Justice, Peace and Development, and Archbishop Linus Neli as chairman of Caritas India.

The meeting concluded with a renewed call for unity, service, and sustained dialogue, as the Church seeks to strengthen its pastoral mission and social outreach in response to the evolving needs of the Christian community and the wider society.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

Image credits: CBCI