Saints Peter and Paul are venerated as the patrons of the Diocese and City of Rome. Every year on their feast day, June 29, the pope marks the occasion by blessing the palliums of newly appointed metropolitan archbishops from around the world. Of the 57 new archbishops who personally received their palliums from Pope Leo XIV this year, seven came from Asia: three from India, and one each from Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
With most of them shepherding Christian-minority and multicultural territories, these newly appointed prelates face the task of overseeing some of the most diverse communities in the world.
Indonesia: Archbishop Fransiskus Nipa
Archbishop Fransiskus Nipa has been serving as the metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Makassar since October 17, 2024, following the retirement of his predecessor, Archbishop Johannes Liku Ada’.
Prior to his appointment, he was serving as coadjutor archbishop of the same archdiocese.
Born on January 29, 1964, in Marcali, Indonesia, Archbishop Nipa studied philosophy and theology at the Wedabhakti Theological Faculty in Yogyakarta and earned a Licentiate in Canon Law from Rome’s Pontifical Urban University.
He was ordained a priest on July 3, 1990, and served as parish vicar of Messawa-Mamasa (1990–1995), parish priest of Polewali (1995–1997), and parish vicar of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in Makassar (2013).
He also served as Defender of the Bond (2000–2005) and Judge (2006) at the Ecclesiastical Tribunal, Director of the Spiritual Orientation Year for seminarians (2000–2002), and Archdiocesan Secretary-Chancellor (2002–2013).
His motto, Misericordiam volo, means “I desire mercy,” taken from Matthew 9:13.
The archbishop’s focus on mercy will be key in shepherding his multi-ethnic archdiocese, which covers the administrative provinces of South Sulawesi, West Sulawesi, and Southeast Sulawesi.
Thailand: Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana
Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana was serving as the apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Bangkok since 2024 before being appointed its archbishop on January 11, 2025.
Born on October 3, 1955, in Samsaen, Bangkok, he was ordained a priest on June 7, 1981.
After serving as Vice Rector of Saint Joseph Minor Seminary in Sampran (1981–1985), he went to Rome to pursue a Licentiate in Youth Ministry and Catechetics at the Salesian Pontifical University.
Arpondratana also served as Director of the Diocesan Catechetical Centre of Bangkok, Secretary of the Commission for Catechetical Education of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Thailand, and Dean of the Catechetical Faculty and Professor at the Major Seminary Lux Mundi, Sampran.
During his installation on March 2, 2025, Arpondratana expressed his joy in returning to his home archdiocese after leading the Diocese of Chiang Mai for nearly 16 years.
India: Archbishop John Rodrigues
On November 30, 2024, Bishop John Rodrigues was appointed coadjutor archbishop of Bombay. Weeks later, he became its archbishop on January 25, 2025.
A priest of the Archdiocese of Bombay, he was born on August 21, 1967, in Mumbai. He obtained a licentiate in systematic theology from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome in 2002.
Among his assignments were assistant parish priest at St. Michael Church, Mahim; secretary to the archbishop; secretary of the priests’ council; and archdiocesan coordinator of the Year of Faith.
He taught systematic theology at Saint Pius X College and also served as its dean of studies.
As the shepherd of Bombay, with its mix of different communities, including a significant number of native Marathis, Archbishop Rodrigues’ motto promises a hopeful future: Building up the Body of Christ.
Philippines: Archbishop Midyphil Bermejo Billones
Bishop Midyphil Billones was serving as auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Cebu when he was transferred back to his home Archdiocese of Jaro to become its head shepherd.
Born in Panay, Capiz, on July 4, 1969, he studied philosophy at St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary in Iloilo City, earned a master's degree in theology from Loyola School of Theology in Quezon City, and received his licentiate and doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
He was ordained a priest on October 2, 1995.
Archbishop Billones served as parish vicar in Jaro Cathedral, Iloilo City (1995–1997), secretary to the archbishop (1997–2000), and member of the presbyteral council (2000–2001).
He also served as secretary and vice-chancellor, spiritual director, and member of the Archdiocesan Commission for the Pastoral Care of Prisoners (2000–2004), as well as director of the Diocesan Youth Commission.
During his tenure as auxiliary bishop, he helped draft a proposal to divide Cebu into three new territories, which is currently awaiting Vatican approval.
His motto expresses his love for the Lord: Domine tu omnia scis, tu cognoscis quia amo te!—Latin for “Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You” (John 21:17).
India: Archbishop Udumala Bala Showreddy
On February 8, 2025, Warangal Bishop Udumala Bala Showreddy was appointed Archbishop of Visakhapatnam.
Hailing from Gudur in Andhra Pradesh, he was born in 1954 and ordained to the priesthood on February 20, 1979. He holds a doctorate in moral theology from Alphonsianum, Rome.
Archbishop Bala taught moral theology at St. John’s Regional Seminary, Hyderabad, from 1994 to 2006, and served as apostolic administrator of Khammam from 2022 to 2024.
Formally installed on April 3, he now shepherds an archdiocese with a diverse community involved in various ministries such as education, healthcare, and social services.
His experience in theology, education, and administration will be vital in guiding the archdiocese’s growth.
Vietnam: Archbishop Joseph Dang Duc Ngan
Joseph Dang Duc Ngan was appointed Archbishop of Hue on May 24, 2025.
Born on June 16, 1957, in Hanoi, he studied philosophy and theology at Saint Joseph Major Seminary and was ordained a priest on December 8, 1987. He later obtained a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome.
Prior to his current role, he served as coadjutor archbishop of Hue since September 21, 2023.
The Archdiocese of Hue is home to various religious traditions and ethnic groups, including the Bru Van Kieu, Chinese, Ko Tu, Ta Oi, and Tay communities.
India: Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakal
One of the most significant decisions made by Pope Francis before his passing was the erection of the new ecclesiastical province of Calicut in India. This reorganization aims to strengthen outreach and social welfare efforts in northern Kerala.
In line with this change, Calicut Bishop Varghese Chakkalakal was elevated to the rank of archbishop and installed on May 25, 2025.
Born on February 7, 1953, in Malapallipuram, Thrissur district, Kerala, he was ordained a priest on April 2, 1981.
He obtained a master’s degree in theology from the Pontifical Seminary in Alwaye and a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome. From 1992 to 1998, he taught fundamental theology, canon law, and moral theology at the seminary, and later served as dean of studies.
On February 7, 1999, he became the first bishop of the Diocese of Kannur.
Following the transfer of Calicut Bishop Joseph Kalathiparambil to Rome to become secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, Chakkalakal was appointed as his successor.
