Archbishop Francis Kalist, the beloved son of Mr. S. Kalist and Mrs. M. Mariammal, was born on November 23, 1957, in Ritapuram, a village in the Diocese of Kottar, Tamil Nadu. Raised in a devout Catholic family, he was deeply inspired by the Church from an early age. His journey of faith and education began with his primary schooling at a local elementary school in Ritapuram, where he laid the groundwork for both his spiritual and academic growth.
Recognizing his calling to serve the Church, young Francis entered St. John’s Minor Seminary in Sardhana, Meerut, where he received his early ecclesiastical training. His dedication and aptitude for theological studies led him to St. Albert’s Major Seminary in Ranchi, where he pursued theological studies, further nurturing his vocation to the priesthood.
In 1999, Fr. Francis Kalist was appointed as the Rector of St. John’s Minor Seminary in Sardhana, where he played a critical role in shaping the formation of young seminarians. During this period, he was also the Administrator of the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Graces, a major pilgrimage site, which further elevated his prominence within the diocese.
Fr. Francis Kalist’s leadership extended to his role as Diocesan Director of Evangelization from 1992 to 2002, where he actively worked to spread the Gospel and deepen the spiritual life of the faithful in the Diocese of Meerut. His commitment to evangelization showcased his deep passion for bringing people closer to Christ, and it marked a significant phase in his ministry.
In 2002, he became the Rector of St. Francis Xavier Regional Philosophate in Etmadpur, within the Archdiocese of Agra, where he was responsible for the formation and education of future priests. This role allowed him to influence the intellectual and spiritual growth of seminarians, preparing them for their mission as priests.
On 3 December 2008, the Vatican announced that Fr. Francis Kalist would be appointed as a bishop. He was consecrated as Bishop on 8 February 2009, marking the beginning of his episcopal journey. His elevation to the episcopate was a testament to his unwavering dedication to the Church and his demonstrated leadership within the Diocese of Meerut.
His episcopal ministry continued to flourish, and on 19 March 2022, Pope Francis appointed him as the Archbishop of Pondicherry – Cuddalore, one of the oldest and most prominent archdioceses in India. He was installed as Archbishop on 29 April 2022, a role in which he continues to serve with distinction.
As a bishop, Archbishop Kalist has undertaken numerous roles and responsibilities that extend beyond the archdiocese:
Archbishop Kalist holds several prestigious roles within the Catholic Church, including:
His previous roles reflect his long-standing commitment to the mission of the Church:
Archbishop Francis Kalist’s life is marked by deep devotion to pastoral care, leadership in evangelization, and advocacy for the empowerment of women and laity in the Church. His experiences as a pastor, rector, and bishop have equipped him with the skills to lead one of India’s oldest archdioceses with compassion and foresight.
Throughout his priestly and episcopal ministry, Archbishop Kalist has been committed to fostering an inclusive and vibrant Catholic community. His efforts in evangelization, education, and the empowerment of women reflect his vision for a Church that is deeply connected to the needs of its people, spiritually vibrant, and engaged with contemporary challenges.
As he continues his leadership in Pondicherry – Cuddalore, Archbishop Kalist remains a guiding force in the Church, shaping future priests, inspiring the faithful, and working towards a more inclusive, spiritually enriched Catholic community.
Archbishop Francis Kalist’s life story is one of tireless service, deep faith, and visionary leadership, dedicated to nurturing the spiritual and pastoral growth of the Church. His contributions will continue to shape the future of the Church in India.
