Pope names Bishop Anton Ranjith as new Bishop of Jaffna

Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Justin Bernard Gnanapragasam from the pastoral office of the Diocese of Jaffna and appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo, Bishop Dr. Pillainayagam Anton Ranjith, as the new Bishop of Jaffna. The announcement was made by the Apo…

Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Justin Bernard Gnanapragasam from the pastoral office of the Diocese of Jaffna and appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo, Bishop Dr. Pillainayagam Anton Ranjith, as the new Bishop of Jaffna. The announcement was made by the Apostolic Nunciature in Sri Lanka on Monday. Bishop Anton Ranjith currently serves as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Colombo and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Batticaloa. The Apostolic Nunciature said Pope Leo XIV also appointed Bishop Justin Bernard Gnanapragasam, now Bishop Emeritus, as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Jaffna until Bishop Anton Ranjith formally takes possession of the diocese and assumes office. The appointments took effect following the Holy Father’s decision announced on June 29, 2026. (Newswire)