By Matters India Reporter
Miao, August 8, 2026: Pope Leo has appointed Salesian Bishop George Pallipparambil of Miao in India’s Arunachal Pradesh state to the Vatican’s International Council for Catechesis, the Dicastery for Evangelization announced.
The five-year appointment was confirmed in a July 30 letter from Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery, addressed to Bishop Pallipparambil at his residence in Miao. The Vatican Secretariat of State had formally advised the Dicastery of the pope’s approval on July 5.
The International Council for Catechesis serves as a consultative body supporting the Dicastery’s section on fundamental questions of evangelization, offering guidance on catechetical initiatives worldwide.
Archbishop Fisichella wrote that he hoped Bishop Pallipparambil’s pastoral experience would enable him “to make a valuable contribution to the reflection and initiatives of this body in the important and sensitive field of catechesis.”
The letter was countersigned by Monsignor Graham Bell, Under-Secretary of the Dicastery’s Secretariat.
A member of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Bishop Pallipparambil leads the Diocese of Miao, a frontier mission territory near India’s borders with Myanmar and China. The diocese is noted for its missionary character and work among indigenous communities in one of India’s most remote regions.
Bishop Pallipparambil’s term will run for five years from the date of papal approval.
Faithful in Miao welcomed the news, expressing joy and assuring prayers for their bishop as he assumes his new responsibility, said Father Felix Anthony from the Office of Social Communication, Miao Diocese.
(Photo supplied)