Roman Catholic Diocese of Varanasi
| Diocese of Varanasi Dioecesis Varanasiensis वाराणसी के सूबा | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | |
| Country | India |
| Ecclesiastical province | Agra |
| Metropolitan | Agra |
| Statistics | |
| Area | 21,395 km2 (8,261 sq mi) |
| Population - Total - Catholics |
(as of 2010) 20,328,000 18,259 (0.1%) |
| Information | |
| Rite | Latin Rite |
| Cathedral | St Mary’s Cathedral in Varanasi |
| Patron saint | St John the Baptist |
| Current leadership | |
| Pope | Francis |
| Bishop | Sede Vacante |
| Metropolitan Archbishop | Albert D'Souza |
| Emeritus Bishops | Patrick Paul D’Souza |
| Website | |
| Website of the Diocese | |
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Varanasi (Latin: Varanasien(sis)) is a diocese located in the city of Varanasi in the Ecclesiastical province of Agra in India.
History
- July 11, 1946: Established as Apostolic Prefecture of Gorakhpur from the Diocese of Allahabad
- September 17, 1958: Renamed as Apostolic Prefecture of Benares-Gorakhpur
- June 5, 1970: Promoted as Diocese of Banaras
- May 14, 1971: Renamed as Diocese of Varanasi
Leadership
- Bishops of Varanasi (Latin Rite)
- Bishop Raphy Manjaly (February 24, 2007 – present)
- Bishop Patrick Paul D’Souza (May 14, 1971 – February 24, 2007)
- Bishops of Banaras (Latin Rite)
- Bishop Patrick Paul D’Souza (June 5, 1970 – May 14, 1971)
- Prefects Apostolic of Benares-Gorakhpur (Roman Rite)
- Fr. Joseph Emil Malenfant, O.F.M. Cap. (June 6, 1947 – 1970)