Pope Leo XIV Establishes New Diocese in Bangladesh

Dhaka, Bangladesh March 27: Pope Leo XIV has established a new diocese named Joypurhat under the Archdiocese of Dhaka, marking a significant development for the Catholic Church in Bangladesh.

The new diocese has been created by carving out territories from the Dioceses of Rajshahi and Dinajpur. Alongside its formation, the Pope has appointed Monsignor Paul Gomes, a priest of the Diocese of Rajshahi, as the first bishop of Joypurhat.

The Church has temporarily designated the parish church at Khanjanpur as the cathedral of the newly formed diocese. Saint Peter and Saint Paul have been chosen as its patron saints.

The diocese will serve more than 24,000 Catholic faithful across 11 parishes. A total of eight diocesan priests and seven religious priests have been assigned to minister in the region, while 28 seminarians are currently in formation for future service.

Monsignor Gomes, the bishop-designate, previously served as Rector of Holy Spirit Major Seminary in Banani, Dhaka. He was ordained a priest on 29 December 1992 and holds a postgraduate degree in Theology from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. The date of his episcopal ordination will be announced at a later time.

The Catholic population in Bangladesh is estimated at between 400,000 and 411,000, accounting for approximately 0.2 per cent of the country’s total population.

The establishment of the Joypurhat diocese is expected to strengthen pastoral care and administrative outreach for Catholics in the region.

Source : Pravachaka Sabdam

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