Franciscan Fr. Samon Shukardin, 53, has been named bishop of Hyderabad, Pakistan.
The diocese has a population of some 22.3 million, with just around 47,000 Catholics. They are served by some 30 priests and 90 religious.
Samon Shukardin was born in Hyderabad in 1961, making his solemn vows in 1991 and ordained a priest in 1993.
He has served in a number of pastoral roles, including parish vicar in Gujrat, procurator of the Franciscan province, and custodian of the Franciscan Order and president of the Conference of Major Superiors in Pakistan.
He is currently parish priest of the “St. Elizabeth” parish in Hyderabad, diocesan director of the Commission of Justice and Peace, and vicar general of the Diocese of Hyderabad.
He succeeds Bishop Max John Rodrigues, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese upon reaching the age limit was accepted by the Holy Father.
