Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam | Official Website

Our Patron Saint

St. Anne

His Holiness

Pope Francis

Most Rev. Dr. Prakash Mallavarapu

Archbishop of Visakhapatnam

Latest News

Posted Date: 23 April 2021

Circular with some directions and guidelines

Archbishops Message

Most Rev. Dr. Prakash Mallavarapu

Journeying together: Synod, Synodal Church, and the Synod of Bishops

The forthcoming Synod of bishops is Synod with a difference: This call of the Holy Father is to all the dioceses across the world. All are called upon to be part of the synodal process. With a special Holy Mass celebrated in all the dioceses on 17th October, 2021, every local Church is expected to commence the consultations, deliberations and sharing by different sections of the Church, the People of God. Holy Father, Pope Francis wants this Synod and the synodal process over the next two years during which, the whole Church participates: “A synodal Church is a Church which listens, which “is more than simply hearing”.

His Holiness Pope Francis

The first Pope of the Americas Jorge Mario Bergoglio hails from Argentina. The 76-year-old Jesuit Archbishop of Buenos Aires is a prominent figure throughout the continent, yet remains a simple pastor who is deeply loved by his diocese, throughout which he has travelled extensively on the underground and by bus during the 15 years of his episcopal ministry.

“My people are poor and I am one of them”, he has said more than once, explaining his decision to live in an apartment and cook his own supper. He has always advised his priests to show mercy and apostolic courage and to keep their doors open to everyone. The worst thing that could happen to the Church, he has said on various occasions, “is what de Lubac called spiritual worldliness”, which means, “being self-centred”.

Catholic Population	114678
Parishes	75
Diocesan Priests	84
Religious Priests	64
Total Priests	148
Religious Sisters	596
Religious Brothers	5
Ecclesiastical Institutions	7
Colleges	4
Technical Schools	7
Professional Colleges	5
Hospitals	7
Boarding Home	24
Hostels	5
Publications	2
Kindergartens	28
Schools	70
Secondary Schools	37