Apostolic Nuncio Pays Farewell Visit to CCBI General Secretariat, New Delhi

New Delhi 22 April 2026 (CCBI) - The CCBI General Secretariat in New Delhi accorded a warm farewell to Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, as he paid a farewell visit marking the conclusion of his pastoral service as Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal.

Fr. Stephen Alathara welcomed the Apostolic Nuncio and honoured him with a memento of the Taj Mahal as a token of gratitude and a lasting remembrance of the Church in India. A floral bouquet was also presented as a gesture of appreciation and goodwill. A mento blessed by Pope Leo XIV was handed over to the Deputy Secretary General, CCBI by the Apostolic Nuncio.

Fr. Jaison Vadassery felicitated Archbishop Girelli with a traditional Indian shawl from the Mizo tribe of Northeast India, symbolising the cultural richness and unity of the Church across the country. The gathering was attended by Bishop Stephen Fernades, Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay, Fr. Chetan Machado, Secretary, Commission for Youth, Fr. Arul Raj Gali, CSC, Secrtary Commission for Family and Sr. Anushia Carmen Fernandes, SCC, along with other officials of the General Secretariat.

During the interaction, Archbishop Girelli spent nearly an hour with the officials, reflecting on his years of service and sharing insights from his pastoral ministry in India. He expressed deep appreciation for the life and witness of the Church in the country and assured his continued prayers for its mission and growth. The Apostolic Nuncio also imparted the Apostolic Blessing.

Speaking on behalf of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India, Fr. Stephen Alathara gratefully acknowledged Archbishop Girelli’s dedicated service from 2021 to 2026. He thanked him for his pastoral closeness, encouragement, and valuable contribution to strengthening communion between the Holy See and the Church in India.

By Catholic Connect Reporter