Francis Kallarakal

Who is Francis Kallarakal?

Francis Kallarackal is the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Verapoly in India. He was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI on February 20, 2010.

Born to Kallarackal Ouso and Brigitte of Kottapuram on October 10, 1941 he joined the St. Joseph's Minor Seminary in 1956. After completing pre-degree course from St. Albert's College, Ernakulam, he joined St. Joseph's Pontifical Seminary, Carmelgiri, Alwaye, for pursuing studies in Philosophy. He completed his Masters in Theology from Propaganda College, Rome and was ordained as priest on June 29, 1968. He holds a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from Pontifical Urbaniana University, Rome and Post Graduation from Fairfiled University, USA. When he returned from abroad in 1970, he was appointed secretary to the then Archbishop Joseph Kelanthara.

From 1978 to 1986, he served as the social action director of the Archdiocese. He was then appointed the administrator of St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, which is established and managed by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India.

In 1987, as the Diocese of Kottapuram was created through the bifurcation of the Archdiocese of Verapoly, he became the first bishop of Kottapuram by the Apostolic Letter “Romani et Pontificis” dated 3rd July 1987. With the Episcopal Ordination on the feast day of St. Francis Assisi, the Diocese of Kottapuram was officially inaugurated on October 4, 1987. As the Bishop of Kottapuram, he called for a Diocesan Synod and successfully conducted in the year 2007-2008.