The archbishop emeritus of Bangalore, Bernard Moras, took over provisionally the diocese. William, accused of illegal appropriation and violation of celibacy, “will take a period of absence” according to a note from the Episcopal Conference. The local clergy are satisfied with the decision that they have been asking the Vatican for some time.
Delhi () – A new pastor, albeit temporary, will take over the diocese of Mysore, in India, due to a serious controversy involving its bishop, Msgr. Kannikadass Antony William. In these days, in fact, the Department for Evangelization appointed Mons. Bernard Moras, archbishop emeritus of Bangalore, as apostolic administrator sede plena et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis “for the ordinary administration and pastoral care” of the local Church. Bishop Felix Machado, Secretary General of the Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), made the decision official after receiving a note from the apostolic nunciature.
The Diocese of Mysore, in the state of Karnataka, is a suffragan see of the Archdiocese of Bangalore, in southwest India. In 2019 it had almost 113 thousand baptized out of a total of about 12 million inhabitants. It comprises the districts of Mysore, Mandya, Cjamarajanagar and Kogadu. Its main place of worship is the Cathedral of Saint Philomena and in Dornahalli is the Minor Basilica of Saint Anthony. The territory is divided into 80 parishes.
Bishop William – 57, who has headed the Mysore diocese since 2017 – is accused of having fathered children as a result of relationships with multiple lovers. Other accusations even implicat him in the death of four priests who opposed him. A Vatican commission made up of three bishops began to investigate in February 2021 after a group of local priests wrote a letter to Pope Francis in 2019 to denounce the facts. “The Department for Evangelization – continues the note signed by Bishop Machado – has also decided that the diocesan bishop […] a period of absence from the ministry will be taken” and the appointment “will be effective as of January 7, 2023.”
The assumption ceremony of the mons. Moras was carried out two days ago in the Cathedral of Santa Filomena and now the investigation and the corresponding trial of his predecessor will proceed to verify the validity of the accusations. Against him there is a letter signed by 37 priests that was sent to the Vatican authorities, in which cases of illegal appropriation of funds and violation of the obligation of celibacy are denounced. A woman has denounced him for sexual favors in exchange for work.
Father Faustine Lobo, spokesman for the Karnataka Bishops’ Conference, stated that he is satisfied with the appointment, although he criticizes the fact that he has remained “so long in his position”. “Bishop William – he concludes – he should have left voluntarily long ago and prove his innocence”.
