New Catholic diocese in Bangladesh puts Indigenous land rights at center of mission

The Diocese of Joypurhat in Bangladesh has prioritized Indigenous land rights and social inclusion to support tribal communities facing poverty and discrimination. Pope Leo XIV established the diocese on March 25 from territories previously belonging to the dioceses of Rajshahi and Dinajpur. Bishop Paul Gomes, the first bishop of the diocese, took possession of the see in June.

Bishop Gomes told Vatican news agency Fides that Indigenous Catholics in the northwestern region are among the most socially vulnerable groups in the country. He noted that many work as small-scale farmers or agricultural day laborers and face chronic inequality regarding access to resources and land. These communities also deal with illiteracy, natural disasters, and migration to cities or other countries for employment.

The diocese serves approximately 25,000 Catholics. Because priests can only visit remote villages a few times a year, lay Catholics play a vital role in addressing land disputes and abuses. Bishop Gomes said that lay people, often trained through Caritas Bangladesh and diocesan programs, assist village leaders in protecting ancestral property, defending legal rights, and reporting violations.