Pope Leo has appointed Fr Joshy Pottackal, OCarm., auxiliary bishop of Mainz, Germany. In announcing the appointment, Fr Desiderío García Martíez (Prior General) said:

I am delighted to inform you that this morning, Wednesday, 26 November 2025, the Holy See has informed us that our brother, Fr Joshy Pottackal, O.Carm., of the Province of St Thomas in India, has been appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Mainz. This is the first time that a non-European bishop has been appointed in Germany. Fr Joshy, 48, is a German national. 

The Bishop of Mainz, His Excellency Peter Kohlgraf, has stated that the new Auxiliary Bishop is a simple man with a big heart, hard-working, competent, and with good judgment. The fact that our brother Joshy is the first non-European bishop in Germany not only fills us with pride as Carmelites, but is also an important sign of the unity of the Church in diversity. Bishop Kohlgraft said: “We are called to live unity in diversity, with different paths of faith and cultural backgrounds. In this Church there are no foreigners.” 

"I am not a theorist with a doctorate. My sermons rarely last more than five minutes," Fr Joshy said at his first press conference.

The official episcopal consecration is scheduled for 15 March in Mainz Cathedral. Bishop Pottackal succeeds the previous auxiliary bishop, Udo Markus Bentz, who was appointed Archbishop of Paderborn in 2023.

Dear brother Joshy, thank you for your dedication and generosity. We will pray for you in your new mission in the Church and in the world. May Our Lady of Mount Carmel, our Mother and Sister, always accompany you.

We offer our prayerful congratulations and best wishes to Bishop-elect Pottackal for his ministry in the Diocese of Mainz.