Leo XIV Has Appointed Bishop in India: Tree Plantations, Solar Initiatives, and Ecology Sundays

On November 1, Pope Leo XIV appointed Rev. Simon Almeida, 64, as the new bishop of Poona, India (pictured left). He is succeeding Bishop Thomas Dabre, 80 (pictured right).
A Career Under a Syncretistic Bishop
Monsignor Almeida has spent his entire priestly career in the Diocese of Poona. After his ordination in 1990, he served as an assistant parish priest at the cathedral. He then held several diocesan roles, including youth director, seminary formator, and parish priest in multiple parishes. He later returned to the Cathedral as rector.
He also became the Diocese's Economist (financial administrator) and later the Regional Secretary of the Western Region Bishops’ Council.
The career of Monsignor Almeida unfolded under Bishop Thomas Dabre, a prelate who participated in interfaith events and defended yoga programs and syncretic Hindu-Christian rituals.
Builder-Administrator
Monsignor Almeida is known within the diocese as an administrator and constructor.
He built the parish hall and …More