Udumala Bala installed as new Archbishop of Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam: Papal Ambassador to India and Nepal Leopoldo Girelli, officially installed Udumala Bala as the new Archbishop of Visakhapatnam during a Eucharistic celebration at the St. Peter's Cathedral Grounds in Gnanapuram on Thursday.

"While Warangal is my Dhanya Bhoomi, Vizag is now my Punya Bhoomi," Archbishop Bala said in his first address, describing his transition as a spiritual journey. "Together, let us build a better Vizag, a better Andhra Pradesh, and a better India," the new Archbishop underlined.

The solemn occasion drew more than 25 bishops and archbishops from across the country, including Cardinal Anthony Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad, and Bishop Emeritus Gali Bali, who delivered the homily.

In his address, Archbishop Girelli praised the vibrancy of the Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam, which serves over one lakh Catholics. He highlighted the strong presence of priests, women religious congregations, and active lay participation in parish activities throughout the region.

The Papal Nuncio acknowledged challenges facing the Archdiocese, including economic difficulties, unemployment, migrant issues and environmental vulnerabilities.

The day began with a procession from St. Joseph's College for Women in Waltair to St. Peter's Cathedral, followed by the installation ceremony, a felicitation programme and a festive dinner celebration.