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A Shepherd Raised by Grace: Rev. Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza Appointed Bishop of Udupi

The Diocese of Udupi rejoices with deep gratitude and humble pride as the Holy Father Pope Leo XIV has appointed Rev. Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza as the new Bishop of Udupi. The joyful announcement was made public from Rome, today on Saturday, 31 January 2026, at 12:00 noon, corresponding to 4:30 p.m. IST, and was simultaneously proclaimed at Our Lady of Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur—the Mother Church of the Diocese.

This historic moment marks a new chapter in the young Diocese of Udupi, as God entrusts His flock to a shepherd deeply rooted in faith, scholarship, pastoral sensitivity, and administrative wisdom.

Born on 19 August 1962 at Uchila (Yermal) to Mr Lawrence D’Souza and Mrs Cecelia D’Souza, Bishop-elect Leslie Clifford D’Souza grew up in a large, faith-filled family of eight siblings, where Christian values, prayer, and service shaped his vocation. The witness of his parents and family, including his late sisters Veronica and Christine, laid a strong spiritual foundation that continues to inspire his priestly journey.

An accomplished scholar and theologian, Bishop-elect Leslie’s academic journey spans India, Rome, and Belgium, culminating in a Doctorate in Moral Theology from the Catholic University of Leuven. Yet, despite his impressive academic credentials, he has always remained a pastor at heart, close to people, attentive to their struggles, and deeply committed to nurturing faith communities.

Ordained a priest on 10 May 1990 for the Diocese of Mangalore, his ministry has been marked by a rare harmony of intellectual depth and pastoral compassion—as parish priest, seminary formator, professor, administrator, and guide to clergy and laity alike.
A Cherished Shepherd at Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte–Kallianpur (2017–2022)

Among the many milestones of his priestly service, his five golden years as Parish Priest of Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte–Kallianpur, hold a special and cherished place in the hearts of the faithful.

From 2017 to 2022, Fr. Leslie shepherded the Mount Rosary parish with vision, serenity, and spiritual maturity. His tenure was marked by:

Deeply meaningful liturgies
A strong emphasis on faith formation and moral values
Pastoral closeness to families, youth, and elders
Encouragement of lay leadership and parish organizations
Wise and compassionate guidance during moments of challenge and transition
As Correspondent of the parish educational institutions, he strengthened the bond between faith and education, ensuring that institutions under Mount Rosary continued to be centres of excellence, discipline, and Christian values.

Even today, his name evokes gratitude, affection, and respect among the parishioners of Mount Rosary Church, who now rejoice that the shepherd they once called their own has been chosen to guide the entire Diocese of Udupi.
A Bishop for Our Times:

Currently serving as Parish Priest of Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva, Bishop-elect Leslie has also played a pivotal role in diocesan governance—as Secretary of the Council of Priests, Vicar Forane of Shirva Deanery, Advocate of the Ecclesiastical Tribunal, and Member of the College of Consultors. These roles have prepared him well to assume the sacred responsibility of episcopal leadership.

His episcopal appointment is not merely an honour, but a call to deeper service—to teach, sanctify, and govern the People of God with humility and courage.

Gratitude, Prayer and Joy
As the Diocese of Udupi welcomes its new shepherd, we raise our hearts in thanksgiving to God for this precious gift. We assure Bishop-elect Rev. Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza of our prayers, loyalty, and filial support, especially as he prepares to take up this noble and demanding ministry.
With special joy and pride, the faithful of Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte–Kallianpur, join the entire Diocese in proclaiming:
“The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.”

May Mother Mary, under whose loving mantle he has always served, guide and protect him as the Bishop of Udupi.

While Rev Dr Leslie C. D’Souza steps into the shoes of Bishop Gerald Issac Lobo, an unusually humble, down to earth person, a lover of poor, for whom Diocese always remain grateful...and now it is the beginning of a new era, in the long journey of infant Diocese of Udupi under the leadership of new Bishop Very Rev Dr Leslie C DSouza, a true man of God, who led us by example, we hope and pray, Udupi Diocese will register all round progress in years to come....

Heartfelt Congratulations.

P Archibald Furtado.