A new diocese has been established for Kerala's Syro-Malabar Catholic faithful in the United Kingdom with Preston as its headquarters.

Pope Francis appointed Joseph Srampickal from Palai as its first Bishop.

The official publication of this appointment was made in the Vatican on Thursday at 12 PM Italian time and simultaneously at 3.30 PM at the Church headquarters in Kochi.

"After the announcement, the Major Archbishop George Cardinal Alencherry and Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt, Bishop of Palai adorned the Bishop-elect with the insignia of Episcopacy," the Church said in a release in Kochi.