Archbishop Francis Kalist was born on 23 November 57 in Ritapuram, a village within the Diocese of Kottar. His early education began at the local elementary school in Ritapuram. He pursued his initial ecclesiastical studies at St. John’s Minor Seminary in Sardhana, Meerut, and later advanced to major theological studies at St. Albert’s Major Seminary in Ranchi.
Archbishop Kalist was ordained as a priest on 30 December 1982 in Meerut. His early priestly ministry was marked by various pastoral assignments that demonstrated his dedication to serving diverse communities:
From 1992 to 2002, he also served as the Diocesan Director of Evangelization, made known his commitment to spreading the faith and nurturing the spiritual growth of the People of God.
On 3 December 2008, Archbishop Kalist was announced as a bishop, and he was consecrated on 8 February 2009. His episcopal ministry was further elevated when he was appointed as the Archbishop of Pondicherry – Cuddalore on 19 March 2022, and he was installed on 29 April 2022.
In his capacity as an Archbishop, he has taken on several significant roles within the Church:
As the Archbishop of Pondicherry and Cuddalore, Archbishop Francis Kalist continues to shepherd his flock with compassion and dedication, focusing on pastoral care, education, and evangelization. His extensive experience and numerous leadership roles underscore his commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive Catholic community.
