Press Statement - October 25, 2025

Archdiocese of Bombay rejoices at the appointment of Rev. Fr.  Stephen Fernandes as Auxiliary Bishop

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed Rev. Fr. Stephen Fernandes as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bombay. The appointment was made public by the Holy See Press Office at 3:30 p.m. IST on 25 October 2025.

Bishop-elect Rev. Fr. Stephen Fernandes was born on 21 September 1961.  His late parents John and Palmira Fernandes were parishioners of Our Lady of Salvation Church, Dadar, Mumbai.  He holds degrees in Commerce (B.Com. and M.Com.) and Education (B.Ed.) from the University of Mumbai.

He completed his priestly formation at St. Pius X College (Archdiocesan Seminary), Goregaon, Mumbai, and was ordained a priest on 31 March 1990 by Simon Cardinal Pimenta for the Archdiocese of Bombay.

His first pastoral appointment was as Assistant Parish Priest at St. John the Evangelist Church, Marol, Mumbai (1990–1992).

From 1992 to 1994, he served on the staff of St. Pius X College, Goregaon. He then pursued his Licentiate and Doctorate in Theology at the Alphonsian Academy, Rome (1994–2000). Upon completing his doctorate, he returned to his alma mater as Resident Professor of Moral Theology and Formator at St. Pius X College, a role he held until 2018.

From 2010 to 2018, he also served as Executive Secretary of the Commission for Theology and Doctrine, Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI).

Currently, Rev. Fr. Stephen serves at the Apostolic Nunciature in New Delhi, with residence at the CBCI Centre. He is Theological Counsellor to the Catholic Medical Guild of St. Luke, Mumbai, and Ecclesiastical Advisor to the Catholic Nurses’ Guild of India (Archdiocese of Bombay).

Bishop-elect Fernandes is a recognized expert in the Church’s Social Teaching and Medical Ethics, having presented scholarly papers at national and international seminars. His tenure at the Apostolic Nunciature has enriched his understanding of the Church’s mission across India, complemented by his exceptional organizational skills.

The Archdiocese of Bombay rejoices at this appointment and assures Bishop-elect Stephen Fernandes of its fervent prayers as he prepares to receive episcopal consecration.

Issued by:

Press Office of the Archdiocese of Bombay

25 October 2025