New Auxiliary Bishop Found for the Diocese of Mainz - Indian-Born Priest Joshy George Pottackal Named New Auxiliary Bishop of Mainz
Pope Leo XIV has named Father Joshy George Pottackal as the new auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Mainz. The appointment follows a Vatican confirmation process and recognizes his long service in the diocese. He will take up the role in a ceremony next year.
Father Pottackal was born in India and ordained a priest in 2003. He moved to Mainz in 2004 and has worked for the diocese since 2006. Over time, he gained German citizenship while continuing his pastoral duties.
The Diocese of Mainz spans parts of Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate, with most of its territory in Hesse. By the end of 2024, it had nearly 598,000 members, though numbers have been falling for years. Auxiliary bishops in the Catholic Church assist the main bishop in managing the diocese.
Pottackal succeeds Udo Markus Bentz, who left in late 2023 to become Archbishop of Paderborn. His formal installation and consecration will take place on March 15, 2026, at Mainz Cathedral.
The new auxiliary bishop's appointment reflects both local recommendations and Vatican approval. His consecration next March will mark the start of his official duties. The diocese continues to rely on such leadership amid declining membership.
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