Rev Machado is new archbishop of Bengaluru archdiocese

Belagavi Bishop Reverend Peter Machado has been  designated the seventh Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Bengaluru, following the resignation of Archbishop Bernard Moras.

Reverend Peter Machado, son of Aveline and the late Anthony Machado, hails from Honnavar in Uttara Kannada district and was ordained a priest in 1978 for the Diocese of Karwar.

Reverend Machado holds a doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Urbaniana University, Rome. He was appointed Bishop of Belagavi by the then Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI on February 2, 2006, and Ordained a Bishop at Belagavi on March 30, the same year.

Speaking to DH, Reverend Machado said he was ready to address several issues faced by the Catholic church. "I have been given two months' time. Most probably, I will take charge by May," he said.

Stating that he was humbled by the appointment, Reverend Machado said he was not sure why he was selected to be the archbishop and was surprised to hear the news.

Outgoing Archbishop Bernard Moras said the appointment of the new head to the archdiocese was part of a routine affair. "As per the church norms, the archbishops are to resign after attaining the age of 75 years. The holy father (Pope) finds a suitable day to accept the resignation and appoint a suitable successor. I sent my resignation when I turned 75 last year and the successor has been appointed now," he said.

He added that as per the present norms of the church, the archbishop is to take charge within two months after he is appointed. He is also at the liberty to extend it, which will be informed.