Fr. David Kumar Anthony Appointed Apostolic Administrator for Economic Affairs of Chingleput Diocese

Vatican City, July 22, 2025 - In a significant move to enhance the financial administration of the Diocese of Chingleput, the Dicastery for Evangelization has appointed Fr. David Kumar Anthony, O.M.I., as the Apostolic Administrator in Economic Matters (in re oeconomica). The decree was issued under the authority of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and signed by Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery, and Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Secretary.

The appointment follows due consultation with His Excellency Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India, and is intended to ensure better oversight and management of the temporal goods of the diocese.

Fr. David Kumar Anthony, a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (O.M.I.), has been entrusted with full authority to oversee economic administration in the diocese. His responsibilities will be carried out “sede plena et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis”—that is, while the diocesan bishop remains in office, this special responsibility is given at the discretion of the Holy See.

The Diocese of Chingleput continues to be shepherded by its current bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Neethinathan Anthonisamy, who has been serving faithfully since the erection of the diocese. The new appointment does not affect the episcopal governance of the diocese but is aimed at supporting the bishop in matters relating specifically to diocesan finances and administration.

The Vatican decree remains effective until further notice from the Dicastery for Evangelization.

This development reflects the Holy See’s ongoing commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance in the temporal administration of local churches, in accordance with universal canonical norms.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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