Archdiocese of Bhopal Leo Cornelio on Wednesday marked end of his tenure and welcomed Rev AAS Durairaj. He informed that charge of the new Archbishop will be taken over by Rev AAS Durairaj on Saturday. He addressed the mediapersons at Pastoral Centre, Arera Colony, Bhopal, on Wednesday. The conference was held to mark the end of tenure of present Archbishop of Bhopal Most Rev Leo Cornelio SVD. The programme began with welcome speech by Public Relations Officer (PRO), Archdiocese of Bhopal, Maria Stephen. He welcomed all the mediapersons and introduced present Archbishop Leo Cornelio, who was also in attendance at the programme. This was followed by Leo Cornelio’s speech in which he expressed gratitude to media-persons for being present on the occasion. He then reflected back on his tenure in Bhopal, which had been in force since last 14 years.

 

Thereafter, he informed that as per Catholic norms, an Archbishop, after attaining 75 years of age, is asked to resign from the position and his tenure ends after he is willing to do so. In this regard, he reminisced that he had attained 75 years of age a year and a half ago and he asked for a tenure extension, following which he is willing to abdicate his post as Archbishop of Bhopal now. Archbishop Cornelio also highlighted his relationship with the new Archbishop Durairaj, whom he was acquainted with during his tenure in Khandwa. Towards the end of the speech, Cornelio informed that the induction ceremony of new Archbishop will take place soon.