From Goa to Sindhudurg: Fr. Agnelo Pinheiro Called to Shepherd God’s People

Goa, 14 February 2026: In a moment of grace and joy for the local Church, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Fr. Agnelo Pinheiro of the Archdiocese of Goa as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Sindhudurg. The appointment was officially announced at the Vatican at 12.00 noon on 14 February 2026 and simultaneously communicated at 4.30 p.m. IST at the Archbishop’s House, Panjim.

Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão made the announcement in the presence of Bishop Emeritus Alwyn Barreto, Bishop Simião P. Fernandes, Monsignor Andrew D’Mello, and other Church leaders from Goa and Sindhudurg. The Bishop-Elect, Fr. Agnelo Pinheiro, was present at the brief yet significant gathering.

Following the announcement, Bishop Emeritus Alwyn Barreto and Msgr Andrew D’Mello extended their heartfelt congratulations and assured the new shepherd of their full support.

Addressing those present, Bishop-Elect Agnelo Pinheiro spoke with humility, entrusting himself to God’s grace and requesting the prayers and support of priests and the faithful. He invited all to walk together in unity, saying, “To you I am a Bishop, but with you I am a fellow pilgrim in this synodal journey.” Fr. Agnelo is the youngest of nine children born to the late Pedro Santana Pinheiro and the late Maria Margarida Quadros.

The appointment was warmly received across the Archdiocese of Goa. Speaking to Catholic Connect, Simião P. Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, expressed deep joy over the appointment. He described Fr Pinheiro as a priest well-suited for the episcopal office, marked by humility, servant leadership, sound intellect, gifted preaching, and a true shepherd’s heart.

Family members also shared their joy. His brothers, Melito Pinheiro and Francis Pinheiro, expressed gratitude and happiness, with Melito praying that many would be drawn closer to Jesus through his brother’s episcopal ministry. His sister, Piedade Pinheiro e Fernandes, described him as a trusted advisor to the family, noting they would miss him while assuring him of their prayers. Another sister, Santana Pinheiro e Colaco, thanked God for the appointment, expressing confidence that their parents in heaven shared their joy and praying for wisdom and strength for his mission. His priest brother, Fr. Richard Pinheiro, Parish Priest of Santacruz, described him as simple, loving, understanding, and deeply sensitive to the needs of others.

Several priests and religious who worked closely with Fr. Agnelo also conveyed their appreciation. Fr. Manuel Gomes, Parish Priest of Mandur, said he was deeply touched by God’s ways. Sr. Godwina Pereira HC, who collaborated with him in the Apostolate of Interreligious Dialogue, described him as a man of simplicity and humility. Fr. Ashley Alphonso, Spiritual Director of Rachol Seminary, highlighted his Christ-centred spirituality reflected in fraternal concern, while Fr. Olavo Caiado, a close friend, affirmed that his holiness and gracious approach make him well-suited for the office of Bishop.

The Diocese of Sindhudurg, erected in 2005, became a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman a year later. The districts of Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri were previously part of the Archdiocese until 1953, when they were included in the Diocese of Poona.

The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman extends warm congratulations to its illustrious son, Bishop-Elect Agnelo Pinheiro, and wishes him God’s abundant blessings as he prepares to shepherd the Diocese of Sindhudurg.

From Goa to Sindhudurg: Fr. Agnelo Pinheiro Called to Shepherd God’s People

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