Pope Francis has appointed Rt. Rev. Raphy Manjaly, till now Bishop of Varanasi, as Bishop of the Diocese of Allahabad. This Ecclesiastical Provision was made public in Rome on Thursday, 17th October, 2013, at noon local time. The same was announced, corresponding to 15:30 hours, Indian Standard Time, in St. Joseph's Cathedral, Allahabad by Rt. Rev. Ignatius Menezes, the Apostolic Administrator. 

Born on 7^th February 1958 in Thrissur District of Kerala to the devout family of Mr. M. V. Chacko and Mrs. Catherine, Bishop Raphy had his initial schooling in St. Francis Xavier School, Vendore. Having completed his High School studies in Thyagarajar High School in Algappanagar, he joined the diocese of Agra aspiring to become a missionary priest in 1973.

After the Language Course in St. Lawrence Seminary, Agra, Reverend Bishop completed his philosophy and theology in St. Joseph’s Regional Seminary, Allahabad. He was ordained a priest on 11^th May, 1983 after which he gave his pastoral services in Etah Mission for a year, and for six years as the Rector of St. Lawrence Minor Seminary, Agra. Thereafter, he went to Angelicum University, Rome for his Doctorate in Spirituality from 1990-1996. On his return, he was appointed the principal of St. Dominic’s School, Mathura for a year. From 1997 to 2005, he gave his services for the formation of the future priests in St. Joseph’s Regional Seminary, Allahabad: as a staff member for a year, as a vice rector for a year and as a rector for six years. From 2005 – 2007, he rendered his services as a Parish Priest of the Immaculate  Conception Cathedral, Agra and the Director of Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Agra. On 24^th February, 2007 he was appointed as the Bishop of Varanasi Diocese. He was consecrated as the Bishop of Varanasi Diocese on 30^th April 2007.