Pope Francis Appoints New Bishop for Udupi Diocese in Karnataka
In a significant development for the Catholic community in coastal Karnataka, Pope Francis has appointed Reverend Leslie Clifford D'Souza as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Udupi. The announcement was made public in Rome at noon on Saturday, which corresponded to 4:30 PM Indian Standard Time, and was simultaneously declared at Our Lady of Milagres Cathedral in Kallianpur, Udupi.
Background and Early Life of the New Bishop
Born on August 19, 1962 in Uchila (Yermal), Udupi, to Lawrence D'Souza and Cecelia D'Souza, Rev D'Souza hails from a deeply rooted Christian family with strong spiritual values. He is blessed with a large family of eight siblings, whose faith and support have greatly influenced his religious vocation throughout his life. Two of his elder sisters, the late Veronica D'Souza and late Christine D'Souza, have been called to eternal rest, while his other siblings continue to support him through their prayers and encouragement.
His educational journey began at Saraswathi Mandir Higher Primary School in Uchila from 1969 to 1976, followed by high school studies at Government Fisheries High School in Yermal between 1976 and 1979. He completed his pre-university education at Poorna Prajna College in Adamar from 1979 to 1981.
Academic and Theological Formation
Responding to what he describes as God's call, Fr Leslie pursued an impressive combination of higher education alongside his priestly formation. His academic credentials include:
- A Bachelor of Arts from the University of Mysore while completing philosophical studies at St Joseph's Inter-Diocesan Seminary in Mangaluru (1982–1985)
- A Bachelor in Theology from the prestigious Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome (1986–1990)
- An MA in English Literature from the University of Mysore (1991–1993)
- A Diploma in Depth Psychology and Formation from the Institute for Psychology and Formation in Bangalore (1993–1995)
- A Licentiate in Theology (1997–1999) followed by a Doctorate in Moral Theology (1999–2003) from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium
Priestly Ministry and Pastoral Leadership
Fr Leslie was ordained a priest on May 10, 1990 for the Diocese of Mangalore. His priestly ministry has been marked by diverse responsibilities and dedicated service:
- He began as assistant parish priest at Holy Rosary Church in Kundapur (1990–1992) and later at Holy Cross Church in Kulshekar, Mangaluru (1992–1995)
- He served as professor of moral theology and formator at St Joseph's Inter-Diocesan Seminary in Mangaluru (1995–1997) and continued as a visiting professor until 2013
- His pastoral leadership was demonstrated during his tenure as parish priest of St John the Evangelist Church in Pangla/Shankarpura (2010–2017)
- He later served at Mount Rosary Church in Kallianpur-Santhekatte (2017–2022), where he also acted as correspondent of educational institutions
Current Responsibilities and Diocesan Contributions
Since June 2022, Fr Leslie has been serving as the parish priest of Our Lady of Health Church in Shirva and as the correspondent of Don Bosco and St Mary's Educational Institutions. Beyond his parish duties, he has made significant contributions to diocesan administration and governance through various important roles:
- He served as secretary of the Council of Priests from 2022 to 2025
- He continues to serve as vicar forane of the Shirva Deanery
- He acts as advocate of the Ecclesiastical Tribunal of the Diocese of Udupi
- He has been a member of the College of Consultors since 2023
The appointment of Rev Leslie Clifford D'Souza as Bishop of Udupi represents a significant moment for the Catholic community in the region, bringing a leader with extensive theological education, pastoral experience, and deep roots in the local community to guide the diocese forward.
