PANAJI
Pope Francis on Saturday accepted the resignation of Cardinal Oswald Gracias (80), a prelate of Goan origin, as the Archbishop of Bombay.
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rchbishop John Rodrigues (57), who was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bombay on November 30, 2024 and was installed as Coadjutor Bishop on January 23, immediately succeeds Cardinal Gracias in leading the Archdiocese.
Cardinal Gracias, who traces his roots to Orlim-Salcete, is one of six cardinals of Goan origin, the others being Cardinal Valerian Gracias (Dramapur), Cardinal Joseph Cordeiro (Salvador do Mundo), Cardinal Ivan Dias (Velsao), Cardinal Joseph Coutts (Aldona) and Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao (Aldona).
In a statement, Fr Nigel Barrett, Spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Bombay, stated that Cardinal Gracias’ resignation, originally submitted five years ago, was recently reaffirmed and received final approval on Saturday evening in Rome.
In a video message released earlier today, Cardinal Gracias expressed heartfelt gratitude to all his collaborators in the Archdiocese, including bishops, priests, religious, the laity, and the citizens of Mumbai.
He offered special thanks to the presbyterium of the Archdiocese for their unwavering dedication and support throughout his tenure. Acknowledging the Holy Father’s paternal care and God’s protection, Cardinal Gracias gave thanks for the grace and guidance he experienced as the shepherd of the Church in Bombay.
Added Fr Barrett: “The Archdiocese of Bombay deeply acknowledges the remarkable contributions of Cardinal Gracias, whose visionary leadership has left an indelible legacy in the local Church, the National Church in India, and the universal Church.”
Created and proclaimed Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in the consistory of November 24, 2007, Cardinal Gracias had served as President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) (2005-2011 and 2013 to 2019), President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) (2010- 2014 and 2018 to 2022). He was the President of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) (2011-2018).
Pope Francis appointed him as one of the members of the Council of Cardinals on April 13, 2013 to assist the Holy Father in the government of the Universal Church.
