Pope Francis has appointed Bishop John Rodrigues as the Coadjutor Bishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bombay which has nearly five lakh members. Bishop Rodrigues has been transferred to the city from the Diocese of Poona.
A coadjutor bishop is appointed to assist and often succeed a diocesan bishop. A diocese is an administrative area of the church and consists of units called parishes. Mumbai is classified as a metropolitan archdiocese.
The message about Bishop Rodrigues was was conveyed by Oswald Cardinal Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay on Saturday.
Archbishop-elect John Rodrigues was born on August 21, 1967 in Mumbai. He studied dogmatic theology at the Pontifical Lateran University of Rome (2000-2002). He was ordained a priest on April 18, 1998 and served at St Michael’s Church, Mahim, as deputy parish priest till 1999. He was. secretary to the Cardinal Metropolitan Archbishop of Bombay between 1999-2000, professor of dogmatic theology and and dean of studies at Saint Pius X College, the Roman Catholic seminary in Goregaon, Mumbai between 2002 and 2013.Bishop Rodrigues was ordained as a Bishop at St Michael’s Church, Mahim, on June 29, 2013, and served as an Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bombay for a decade before being transferred to Pune on March 25, 2023.
During his tenure as an Auxiliary Bishop, he was the Rector of Mount Mary Basilica. A Coadjutor Bishop’s post is similar to that of an Auxiliary Bishop but succeeds a diocesan bishop when he retires or passes away. The presence of a Coadjutor ensures a seamless succession without a vacancy in the leadership. Mahim-born Cardinal Gracias, who is 79 years old, became the Archbishop of Bombay in October 2006.
In a statement released on Saturday, Father Nigel Barrett, spokesperson Archdiocese of Bombay, said that according to Canon 403 3, a coadjutor bishop possesses the right of succession.
The Archdiocese of Bombay, including the Bishops, Priests, Religious, and Lay Faithful, extend a warm welcome to the Most Reverend John Rodrigues upon his return to the Archdiocese, said Barrett.
The Archdiocese of Bombay welcomes Most Reverend Bishop John and assure him of our prayers, the statement added.
Bishop Rodrigues will take office on the January 25, 2025, and will reside last the Archbishop’s House, Colaba.
