In the tribal area of Joypurhat, Bishop Gomes: “the new diocese between poverty and hope”

Bishop Paul Gomes described the new Diocese of Joypurhat in northwestern Bangladesh as a community existing between poverty and hope. The diocese, which was established by Pope Leo XIV on March 25, 2026, serves around 25,000 faithful across 13 parishes. Most Catholics in the area belong to indigenous and tribal communities, including the Santal, Oraon, Mahali, Munda, and Paharia peoples.

The new diocese was formed from territories of the dioceses of Rajshahi and Dinajpur and functions as a suffragan of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Dhaka. Because the diocese lacks permanent infrastructure, Bishop Gomes is currently residing at Mary Help of Christians Parish in Khanjanpur, which is serving as the cathedral. The diocese needs to plan and build an episcopal seat and a pastoral center.