Pakistan: Lahore Welcomes New Archbishop Khalid Rehmat

The Catholic Church in Pakistan marked a significant moment on March 28 with the formal installation of Archbishop Khalid Rehmat as the new head of the Archdiocese of Lahore.

The solemn ceremony took place at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore, drawing more than 1,000 clergy, religious, and lay faithful. Bishops from across the country were present, including Cardinal Joseph Coutts; Bishop Samson Shukardin of Hyderabad; Archbishop Joseph Arshad of Islamabad-Rawalpindi; Bishop Indrias Rehmat of Faisalabad; and Bishop Yousaf Sohan of Multan.

The installation rite was led by Archbishop Germano Penemote, Apostolic Nuncio to Pakistan, who presented the Apostolic Letter of appointment from Pope Leo XIV. The letter was handed to Fr. Asif Sardar, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Lahore, who showed it to the bishops, the College of Consultors, clergy, and the faithful. Archbishop Penemote read the letter in English, while Father Sardar read the Urdu version to ensure that all present could fully understand its significance.

Following the reading, Archbishop Rehmat made the oath of fidelity. He was then presented with the crozier, symbolizing his pastoral authority and responsibility to shepherd the faithful. He was formally seated on the cathedra, or bishop’s chair, signifying his assumption of leadership of the archdiocese.

In his address, Archbishop Penemote conveyed the greetings and congratulations of Pope Leo XIV, describing the occasion as the beginning of a new chapter for the local Church. He emphasized that the appointment of a new archbishop is a call to unity and renewal.

“This moment is not merely a transfer of responsibility, but the beginning of a new chapter in God’s plan,” he said, expressing confidence that Archbishop Rehmat would lead with wisdom, humility, and fidelity under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

In his homily, Archbishop Rehmat described his appointment as both surprising and humbling. Reflecting on pastoral ministry, he recalled the words of Saint Óscar Romero, noting that a bishop is not merely an administrator, but a servant, shepherd, and companion who walks with the people and discerns the signs of the times in the light of faith.

“As your archbishop, my first responsibility is not to rule, but to serve unity,” he said. “The Church does not belong to us but to Christ, who unites us all.”

He stressed that his ministry would be rooted in service and sacrifice. “It is not about power, but about service, not to be served, but to serve; not to avoid the cross, but to carry it with love,” he said.

Bishop Samson Shukardin, in his remarks, highlighted that the selection of a bishop is guided by the Holy Spirit. He expressed confidence in Archbishop Rehmat’s leadership, describing him as a young and energetic pastor who would guide the Church with strength and vision.

Addressing the gathering again, Archbishop Rehmat expressed gratitude for the support and presence of Church leaders, clergy, religious, and lay faithful. Speaking in the historic cathedral, he quoted 1 Peter 5:6: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.”

He extended special thanks to the Apostolic Nuncio, Cardinal Coutts, fellow bishops, priests, religious sisters, seminarians, the Capuchin community, and his family, including his late parents. He also acknowledged the presence of representatives from other religious communities, describing it as a sign of fraternity, dialogue, peace, and harmony.

The new archbishop concluded by inviting all the faithful to journey together as one family of God, united in faith, strengthened in hope, and committed to love, so that the Archdiocese of Lahore may continue to be a visible sign of Christ’s presence in Pakistan.