Papal Ambassador officially installs Udumala Bala as Archbishop of Visakhapatnam

Hyderabad: In a historic ceremony on Thursday, April 3, 2025, Most Rev. Udumala Bala was officially installed as the new Archbishop of Visakhapatnam. The installation took place at St. Peter’s Cathedral Grounds, Gnanapuram, during a grand Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Papal Ambassador to India and Nepal, His Excellency Most Rev. Leopoldo Girelli.

The event was attended by over 25 bishops and archbishops from across India, including His Eminence Cardinal Anthony Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad, and Bishop Emeritus Gali Bali, who delivered the homily. Outgoing Apostolic Administrator Bishop Jaya Rao, more than 500 priests, 500 nuns, and an estimated 10,000 lay faithful were also present to witness this significant occasion for the Catholic Church in Andhra Pradesh.

In his first address as Archbishop, Most Rev. Udumala Bala described the day as a “spiritual journey” and spoke of his transition from Warangal, which he called his “Dhanya Bhoomi” (Blessed Land), to Visakhapatnam, his new “Punya Bhoomi” (Holy Land). He thanked the faithful of Vizag for their warm welcome and expressed his excitement to serve in the Archdiocese, which he described as a land of “superabundant graces.”

“Together, let us build a better Vizag, a better Andhra Pradesh, and a better India,” Archbishop Bala said, calling for unity, peace, and collaboration among people of all faiths.

In his address, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Girelli congratulated Archbishop Bala on his new role and praised the vibrant faith community in Visakhapatnam. He highlighted the Archdiocese’s active laity, strong presence of priests and religious congregations, and the deep involvement of the faithful in sacramental life and devotion, especially in Marian shrines.

However, Archbishop Girelli also acknowledged the challenges faced by the Archdiocese, such as economic hardships, unemployment, the condition of migrants, and environmental concerns. He encouraged the Church to respond to these challenges by sharing the light of Christ.

The Nuncio also recognized Archbishop Bala’s intellectual and pastoral qualities, noting his expertise in Moral Theology and his experience as Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Seminarians, Clergy, and Religious from 2015 to 2023.

The installation ceremony was preceded by a procession from St. Joseph’s College for Women Grounds to St. Peter’s Cathedral and followed by a felicitation program and a festive dinner attended by clergy and the faithful.

Archbishop Bala, who previously served as Bishop of Warangal, brings with him significant pastoral experience and a vision rooted in compassion and inclusive growth. His appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Church in Coastal Andhra.