Breaking News: Pope Francis appoints Mons. John Rodrigues as the new coadjutor Archbishop of Mumbai, India. The 57-year-old prelate, originally from the same city, has been serving as bishop of Pune since last year, after ten years as auxiliary bishop to Card. Oswald Gracias, who turns eighty on December 20. He will now work alongside him with the right of succession, starting on January 25. Mons. Rodrigues comes from a family where his widowed mother guided all three of her sons into priesthood.
By: Nirmala Carvalho – Asia News
Published:
Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Exciting news from the Vatican! Pope Francis has appointed Mons. John Rodrigues as the new coadjutor Archbishop of Mumbai, the bustling metropolis in India. Mons. Rodrigues, born in Mumbai in 1967, served as the auxiliary bishop of the city for ten years before leading the diocese of Pune since March 2023. His new role will involve working alongside Card. Oswald Gracias, the current Archbishop of Mumbai, who will turn eighty on December 20, signaling his retirement from future conclaves.
Upon the announcement by the Vatican Press Office, the Archdiocese of Mumbai warmly welcomed Mons. Rodrigues back to his roots. He will officially assume his new position on January 25, 2025, residing at the Archbishop’s House. Mons. John Rodrigues, ordained a priest in 1998, furthered his theological studies in Rome at the Pontifical Lateran University, specializing in dogmatic theology. His journey to the episcopate began in 2013 when he was consecrated as an auxiliary bishop by Card. Gracias.
Reflecting on his family’s unique story, Mons. Rodrigues shared with AsiaNews that his mother, Corinne Rodrigues, a widow, inspired him and his brothers to pursue the priesthood. His older brother, Fr. Luke, a Jesuit, and his younger brother, Fr. Savio, also a priest in Mumbai, followed the same calling. Their mother’s devotion and charitable work in the archdiocese left a lasting impact on their lives, instilling in them the values of faith and service.
