New bishop appointed for Shimoga

The bishop-elect is known as a theology professor and social worker in Karnataka.

Father Francis Serrao

New Delhi:  Father Francis Serrao, Jesuits' provincial superior in Karnataka, was appointed the new bishop of Shimoga on Wednesday, Vatican announced.

The diocese was vacant since July 2012 when its bishop Gerald Lobo was appointed Bishop of Udupi.

The diocese has some 21,000 Catholics served by some 50 diocesan and 15 religious priests, more than 180 nuns and ten religious brothers.

The bishop-elect was born on August 15, 1959 in Moodbidri area of Mangalore diocese.

He completed his training in Satya Nilayam, Chennai, and Jhana Deepa Vidya Peetha, Pune and was ordained on April 30, 1992, the Vatican Information Service said.

The bishop-elect is known as a theology professor and social worker in Karnataka.