Monsignor Joshy Pottakkal. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
In a historic development, a priest from Kerala is set to be appointed as an auxiliary bishop of a German diocese.
Monsignor Joshy Pottakkal, 48, a resident of Meenkunnam under the Diocese of Kothamangalam and a member of the Carmelite (O.Carm) Province of Kerala, has been appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Mainz, Germany.
The promotion ceremony will take place on Sunday (15 March 2026) at 15:00 at Mainz Cathedral (Mainzer Dom). The ceremony will be led by Bishop Peter Kohlgraf of Mainz, Archbishop Stephan Burger of Freiburg and Bishop Wilmar Santin (O.Carm) of Brazil.
Fr. Kulathur said this is the first time an Indian priest has been elevated to the post of bishop in a German diocese. “Monsignor Pottakkal has been serving as a priest in the Diocese of Mainz for the past 21 years. This appointment is a source of pride for the Kerala missionary community and signifies the Vatican’s support for the Kerala Church,” Fr Kulathur said.
Prior to this appointment, Monsignor Pottakkal served in the Mainz diocesan youth ministry, as parish vicar, forane vicar and as diocesan officer responsible for the priests of the diocese.
Church authorities noted that while foreign churches do not usually appoint foreigners to key leadership positions, Monsignor Pottakkal has proven to be a deeply trusted figure in the German community, leading to his historic promotion.
Bishop George Madathikandathil of the Diocese of Kothamangalam and several other priests have already arrived in Germany to attend the ceremony.
Germany is home to a growing population of nurses and professionals from Kerala. The elevation of a Keralite priest to such a high post is a significant milestone for the German-based community.
Published – 14 March 2026 20:24 IST
