Bishop Udumala Bala Showreddy appointed as Archbishop of Visakhapatnam

VISAKHAPATNAM: The Holy Father Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Udumala Bala Showreddy (70) as the Archbishop of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh transferring him from the diocese of Warangal on February 8, 2025. The announcement was made on Saturday, marking a significant transition in the leadership of the Archdiocese.

He was appointed Bishop of Warangal on April 13, 2013 and ordained Bishop on May 23, 2013. He was the Apostolic Administrator of the diocese of Khammam from 2022 to 2024.

He was the deputy secretary general of the CCBI from 2006 to 2013 and the Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Vocations, Seminaries, Clergy and Religious from 2015 to 2023.

Bishop Bala was born on June 18, 1954, in Ghanpur, Gudur, Diocese of Warangal, united Andhra Pradesh. He began elementary school in his native village of Gudur and then completed high school at St. Gabriel High School, Warangal.

He holds a Diploma in Telugu and a Bachelor of Arts from Osmania University. He did his priestly formation in St Pius X Minor Seminary, Fatima Nagar, Warangal and to St. John's Regional Seminary, Ramanthapur, Hyderabad.

He was ordained a priest on February 20, 1979, for the diocese of Warangal. After his priestly ordination he held the following positions: 1979-1980: Parish Vicar in Dornakal; 1980-1984: parish priest in Produtur; 1984-1985: parish priest in Ravi Nuthala; 1985-1986: parish priest in Cherumadaram; 1986-1987: Financial Administrator and Chancellor of the diocese; 1987-1990: Procurator and Catechetical Teacher at St. John's Regional Seminary, Hyderabad; 1990-1994: Studies at the Alphonsianum, Rome, where he obtained a doctorate in Moral Theology; 1994-1997: Professor of Moral Theology at St John's Regional Seminary, Hyderabad; 1997-2006: Rector of St. John's Regional Seminary, Hyderabad.

The Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam became vacant by the resignation of Archbishop Prakash Mallavarapu on February 14, 2024.
Transition to Visakhapatnam

The Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam has been awaiting new leadership, and Bishop Bala’s appointment is expected to bring renewed vigor to the region. His extensive experience in theology, education, and administration positions him well to lead the Archdiocese.

Looking ahead

As Archbishop of Visakhapatnam, Bishop Bala will oversee a significant Catholic population and numerous institutions dedicated to education, healthcare, and social services. The faithful of the Archdiocese look forward to his leadership and pastoral guidance in the years to come.

This appointment reflects Pope Francis’s confidence in Bishop Bala’s abilities to shepherd the Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam into a new era of spiritual growth and community development.

Check out the latest news about Delhi Election Results and the full and final winner list only on Times of India.