New Delhi: Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Prasad Gallela of Cuddapah, a city in the Rayalseema region of the south-central part of Andhra Pradesh.
This communication was received by the Apostolic Nunciature. His Lordship Rt. Rev. Gali Bali, Bishop Emeritus of Guntur, has been appointed as Apostolic Administrator sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the Diocese of Cuddapah.
On Monday, the Vatican said Gallela had offered to resign and Francis accepted. At 56, Gallela is well below the normal retirement age of 75 for bishops.
Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX, Secretary General, Catholic Bishops Council of India (CBCI) acknowledged the work done by Bishop Gallela, “We thank Bishop Prasad Gallela for his dedicated services to the Church in Cuddapah and the Church in India, and we entrust him to the intercession of Our Lady, Queen of Apostles.”