Archbishop Dr. Linus Neli Takes the Helm at Caritas India

A new chapter of compassion has begun. Archbishop Dr. Linus Neli officially took charge as the Chairman of Caritas India this Tuesday, stepping into a leadership role dedicated to serving India’s most vulnerable and advancing the organization’s mission of social justice and solidarity.

The welcome ceremony was held on 10 March 2026 at the Caritas India head office, was an emotional blend of gratitude and forward-looking resolve. The event brought together the top brass of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), Regional Forum Directors, dedicated staff, and community members to honor the eight-year legacy of outgoing chairman Archbishop Sebastian Kallupura while formally welcoming Archbishop Neli’s new leadership.

The morning was marked by a heartfelt farewell to Archbishop Sebastian Kallupura. Fr. Jesudass R, Executive Director of Caritas India, paid a moving tribute to the outgoing chairman, highlighting his “positive leadership” that served as a bedrock for the organization. Archbishop Kallupura’s tenure will be remembered most for his steady hand during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period where Caritas India scaled its operations to reach thousands of vulnerable families with life-saving humanitarian support.

The keynote address by Cardinal Antony Poola, the newly elected President of the CBCI, challenged the organization to think beyond traditional boundaries. “Our dream for Caritas India must be larger than programmes and projects,” the Cardinal stated. “It must be a dream for a more compassionate India, where no one feels abandoned and where the Church becomes a living sign of hope.”

He described Caritas India not merely as an NGO, but as a “school of compassion and a laboratory of hope,” urging the team to remain a witness to the Gospel in action.

The highlight of the event was the formal presentation of the appointment order to Archbishop Linus Neli by Cardinal Anthony Poola, President of CBCI, and Archbishop Anil Couto, Secretary General of the CBCI. In his first address as Chairman, Archbishop Linus Neli expressed deep gratitude for the trust placed in him. He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the mission of Caritas India, focusing on justice and service for the marginalized.

The ceremony also celebrated the silver jubilee of Archbishop Anil Couto’s episcopal ministry, recognizing his 25 years of “shepherding” the community through both triumphs and challenges. Caritas India at this moment announced a special contribution to the Widows’ Fund of Archbishop Anil Couto, ensuring the pastoral compassion continues to impact lives.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Ms. Sunita Ashwin, HR Lead, followed by a final blessing from Cardinal Poola.

With a new Strategic Plan on the horizon and fresh leadership at the top, Caritas India stands ready to turn this “New Chapter” into a story of transformative impact across the nation.