Pope Francis appoints new Bishops of Satna, Jhabua dioceses

Pope Francis has appointed new Bishops of Satna and Jhabua dioceses in Madhya Pradesh, a representative of Christian community in the state said today. The Pope, the leader of worldwide Catholic church, recently named Joseph Kodakallil and Basil Bhuria as Bishops of Satna and Jhabua dioceses respectively, Father Maria Stephen, Public Relations Officer of State Catholic Community, said here. Both had been priests at their respective dioceses.

Kodakallil hails from Kerala while Bhuria, a tribal, is a native of Madhya Pradesh, home to nine Catholic dioceses, he said. They are likely to take charge of the posts in separate ceremonies next month. Bhopal Archbishop Leo Cornelio will ordain them, Stephen said. 

Both had been serving the church and humanity religiously. Kodakallil has been serving as priest of St Vincent Cathedral in Satna while Bhuria is active in serving Society of Divine Word in Central India, Stephen said. The Catholic community of MP is happy with the elevation of Kodakallil and Bhuria, he added.