Joshy George Pottackal
| His Excellency, The Most Reverend Joshy Pottackal | |
|---|---|
| Auxiliary Bishop of Mainz | |
| |
| Church | Latin Church |
| See | Diocese of Mainz |
| Appointed | 26 November 2025 |
| Installed | 15 March 2026 |
| Other post | Titular Bishop of Ceramussa (2025–) |
| Previous post | Superior of the Carmelite province in Germany (since 2016) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 30 April 1977 (age 49) Meenkunnam, Kerala, India |
| Alma mater | Pontifical Athenaeum Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram |
| Motto | Per fidem ductus (Led by Trust) |
Joshy George Pottackal, OCarm (born 30 April 1977) is an Indian-born German Roman Catholic Carmelite prelate and auxiliary bishop in Mainz. Pottackal is the first Roman Catholic bishop in a German diocese who was not born in Europe.[1]
Life
Pottackal entered a Carmelite seminary in India in 1992 and joined the Carmelite Order, making his first vows in 1996. He studied philosophy in Thrissur and Catholic theology at Pontifical Athenaeum Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Bangalore. He was ordained a priest on 28 December 2003.[2]
In 2004, he moved to Germany, where he completed language training and pastorals studies in Münster. He has served in the Diocese of Mainz in various roles, including chaplain, youth pastor, parish vicar, and parish priest. He later became deputy dean, acting dean, personnel officer for priests, and prefect at the Mainz seminary. He has also served as regional superior of the Carmelite province in Germany.[3]
On 26 November 2025, he was appointed Titular Bishop of Ceramussa and Auxiliary Bishop of Mainz by Pope Leo XIV.[4] He was consecrated on 15 March 2026 in Mainz Cathedral.[5]
References
- Back to citation "German Catholic Church consecrates first bishop from India". dw.com. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
- Back to citation "Wappen und Insignien | Bistumsleitung - Bistum Mainz". bistummainz.de. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
- Back to citation "Papst Leo XIV. ernennt neuen Weihbischof für das Bistum Mainz". katholisch.de (in German). Retrieved 21 March 2026.
- Back to citation "Rinunce e nomine". press.vatican.va. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
- Back to citation Coppen, Luke. "Will cross-continental bishops become Leo XIV's signature?". www.pillarcatholic.com. Retrieved 21 March 2026.