India: Pope appoints new Coadjutor Bishop of the Archdiocese of Calcutta

On June 28, 2025, Pope Leo XIV named Elias Frank, currently bishop of Asansol, as the new Coadjutor Bishop of the Archdiocese of Calcutta, West Bengal, eastern India.

Born on August 15, 1962, in Bantwal, Karnataka, Frank hails from the Diocese of Mangalore, southern India.

He completed his early education in Modankap and Shillong before beginning priestly formation at St. John Mary Vianney Minor Seminary in Barasat, West Bengal. He later pursued philosophical studies at Morning Star Regional Seminary in Barrackpore, Calcutta, and continued his theological education at the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome, where he also earned both a licentiate and a doctorate in canon law.

Ordained a priest on April 23, 1993, for the Archdiocese of Calcutta, he served in several parishes, including Sacred Heart Church in Burdwan and St. Therese of Lisieux in Durgapur. He also worked as a judge at the Inter-Diocesan Tribunal in Kolkata.

A distinguished academic, Frank has been a professor of canon law in Rome since 2007 and serves as a visiting professor at the Alfonsian Academy.

His scholarly contributions include books and numerous articles, and he has held responsibilities as an external judge and consultant for various Vatican dicasteries.

Pope Francis appointed him bishop of Asansol on July 3, 2023, and he was consecrated on August 24, 2023.

As bishop of Asansol, he became known for his pastoral commitment and intellectual depth, leading the diocese with a vision focused on education, technological integration, and spiritual renewal.

Frank’s new role as Coadjutor Bishop positions him to assist and eventually succeed the current Archbishop of Calcutta, Thomas D'Souza, ensuring continuity and pastoral leadership for the archdiocese.