Published Apr 13, 2025 | 1:21 AM ⚊ Updated Apr 13, 2025 | 1:21 AM
Vatican elevates Calicut Diocese to Metropolitan Archdiocese
Synopsis: In a landmark decision, the Vatican has elevated the Diocese of Calicut to a Metropolitan Archdiocese. Bishop Varghese Chakkalakal becomes its first Metropolitan Archbishop. The dioceses of Kannur and Sultanpet will serve as suffragans. This marks a historic moment for the Malabar region, home to a Christian legacy that began with missionary Pedro Covilham’s arrival in 1498
In a historic move, the Vatican has elevated the Diocese of Calicut to the status of a Metropolitan Archdiocese, marking a significant milestone for the Catholic Church in the Malabar region of Kerala.
Bishop Varghese Chakkalakal, who has served as the Bishop of Calicut since 2012, has been appointed as the first Metropolitan Archbishop of the newly elevated archdiocese.
Under its new status, the dioceses of Kannur and Sultanpet will function as suffragan dioceses within the newly established ecclesiastical province.
The Christian presence in the Malabar region boasts a rich heritage dating back over 500 years, beginning with the arrival of Portuguese Trinitarian missionary Pedro Covilham in 1498.
Just two years later, the region saw the construction of its first church, dedicated to St. Andrew, along the Malabar coast.
In 1878, Pope Pius IX entrusted large portions of the present-day Kannur, Calicut, and Mangalore areas to the Jesuits of Venice, separating them from the Vicariate Apostolic of Malabar to foster evangelization and pastoral care in the region.
The Diocese of Calicut was officially established on June 12, 1923, by Pope Pius XI through the Apostolic Brief Cum Auctus Fidelium Grex.
It became India’s 25th diocese, formed by carving out territories from the Diocese of Mangalore. The jurisdiction also expanded to include Wayanad Taluk, formerly under the Mysore Diocese, and sections of Valluvanadu Taluk, previously part of the Coimbatore Diocese.
The elevation of the Diocese of Calicut is seen as a recognition of its historical and spiritual significance, and is expected to bolster the Catholic Church’s presence and pastoral mission in northern Kerala.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
