Vatican appoints new Bishop in Kochi

Bishop Dr Joseph Kariyil is the new Bishop of Kochi, replacing the former Bishop John Thatunkkal, who was suspended for adopting a 29-year-old woman as his daughter.

The Vatican on Monday made the announcement after Pope Benedict XVI appointed three new Indian bishops.

Devprasad John Ganawa, became bishop of Jhabua district and Arockia Sebastian Durairaj became bishop of Khandwa in central Madhya Pradesh state.

Sixty-year-old Bishop Kariyil, meanwhile, was welcomed at the Bishop's House on Monday, accompanied by Archbishop of Verapoly, Daniel Acharuparambil.

Acharuparambil took charge of the Kochi diocese after the adoption controversy rocked the church.

An inquiry is presently underway against Bishop Thatunkkal who was detached from the duties of a parish vicar.

The Kerala Bishop, last year, stirred a controversy adopting a woman hailing from non–Catholic family in Pathnamthitta district, as a measure of spiritual renewal. He is reported to have met the woman during a pilgrimage to Europe last April.