31/01/2026
Rev. Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza Appointed New Bishop of Udupi
The Holy Father Pope Leo XIV has appointed Rev. Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza as the new Bishop of Udupi. He is currently the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva. This appointment was made public in Rome on Saturday, 31 January 2026, at 12:00 noon, corresponding to 04:30 p.m. Indian Standard Time, and was simultaneously announced at Our Lady of Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, Udupi.
V. Rev. Fr. (Dr) Leslie Clifford D’Souza was born on 19 August 1962 at Uchila (Yermal), Udupi District, Karnataka, to Mr Lawrence D’Souza and Mrs Cecelia D’Souza. He hails from a deeply rooted Christian family and is blessed with a large family of eight siblings, whose faith and values greatly influenced his vocation. Two of his elder sisters, Late Veronica D’Souza and Late Christine D’Souza, have been called to eternal rest, while his other siblings continue to support him through their prayers.
His early education began at Saraswathi Mandir Higher Primary School, Uchila (1969–1976), followed by high school studies at Government Fisheries High School, Yermal (1976–1979). He completed his Pre-University education at Poorna Prajna College, Adamar (1979–1981).
Responding to God’s call, Fr. Leslie pursued higher studies alongside priestly formation. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Mysore while completing his philosophical studies at St Joseph’s Inter-Diocesan Seminary, Mangalore (1982–1985). He then went on to earn a Bachelor in Theology from the Pontifical Urbaniana University, Rome (1986–1990). His academic journey continued with an M.A. in English Literature from the University of Mysore (1991–1993), followed by a Diploma in Depth Psychology and Formation from the Institute for Psychology and Formation, Bangalore (1993–1995). He further specialized with a Licentiate in Theology (1997–1999) and later a Doctorate in Moral Theology (1999–2003) from the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium.
Fr. Leslie was ordained a priest on 10 May 1990 for the Diocese of Mangalore. His priestly ministry began as Assistant Parish Priest at Holy Rosary Church, Kundapur (1990–1992) and later at Holy Cross Church, Kulshekar, Mangalore (1992–1995). He also served as Professor of Moral Theology and Formator at St Joseph’s Inter-Diocesan Seminary, Mangalore (1995–1997) and continued as a visiting professor until 2013.
His pastoral leadership was evident during his tenure as Parish Priest of St John the Evangelist Church, Pangla/Shankarpura (2010–2017) and later at Mount Rosary Church, Kallianpur-Santhekatte (2017–2022), where he also served as Correspondent of educational institutions.
Since June 2022, Fr. Leslie has been serving as the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva, and as the Correspondent of Don Bosco and St Mary’s Educational Institutions. Alongside his parish ministry, he has contributed significantly to diocesan administration and governance. He was the Secretary of the Council of Priests (2022–2024) and continues to serve as Vicar Forane of the Shirva Deanery, Advocate of the Ecclesiastical Tribunal of the Diocese of Udupi, and Member of the College of Consultors (2023–present).
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