The diocese of Adilabad was erected by Pope John Paul II by his bull 'ad aptius consulendum', dated 23 July 1999 bifurcating Chanda. Since the diocese of Chanda was spread over the two states of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh the need to separate the portions in Andhra Pradesh and to erect a new diocese there was a long-felt need. The diocese comprises the civil district of Adilabad, the northernmost district in Andhra Pradesh. The first bishop, Mar Joseph Kunnath, CMI, was ordained bishop on 6 October 1999 on which date the diocese also was inaugurated.

Most Rev JOSEPH KUNNATH, cmi
Born: Sep. 02, 1939
Priestly Ordn.: Apr. 24, 1972
Episcopal Ordn.: Oct. 06, 1999

Address:
Bishop of Adilabad
Bishop’s House, P. O.
Mancherial - 504 208. Dist. Adilabad. A. P.
Tel: (08736) 25 82 62 (O), 25 59 33 (P)
Mobile: 09 44 02 42 515
E-mail:adilabishop@hotmail.com

Area: 16210 sq. kms.
Population: 2080000
Catholics: 10,500
Languages: Telugu, Marathi, Urdu and Tribal Languages
Revenue District: Adilabad (A.P.)