This article covers India's Catholic community and Christianity in India as described in the MEA brief on India-Holy See relations updated in July 2026, and a commemoration of Mahatma Gandhi at the Vatican. It also gives the contact details of the Apostolic Nunciature in New Delhi and the Holy See's national day.
Catholics in India
According to the MEA brief of July 2026, India has the second largest Catholic population in Asia, dating from Apostolic times. A large number of Indians have joined various Roman Catholic Orders, and many occupy high positions within the Catholic Church, including in Rome. The brief states that India and Indians have a positive image in the world Catholic community.
Christianity in India
The brief states that Christianity is India's third-largest religion, with approximately 27.8 million followers, constituting 2.3% of India's population according to the 2011 census. There are over 19.9 million Catholics in India, around 1.55% of the total population, and the Catholic church is the largest Christian church within India.
According to the brief, Christianity was introduced to India by Thomas the Apostle, who visited Muziris in Tamilakam in AD 52. Christians are in a majority in four Indian states: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Meghalaya. They make up significant percentages of the population in Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, Sikkim and Manipur.
Mahatma Gandhi commemoration
To commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a major event on Fraternal Love and non-violence for global harmony and Peace was organised on 1 October 2019 at the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, Vatican City.
The Apostolic Nunciature in New Delhi
The brief states that the Holy See has a Nunciature (Embassy) in New Delhi, headed by a Nuncio (Ambassador). The MEA Protocol Division register, read on 24 September 2026, gives the following details for the Apostolic Nunciature:
- Address: 50 C, Niti Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110021
- Telephone: +91-11-2688 9184, 2410 3148
- Email: na.india@diplomat.va
The register lists no website and names no head of mission for the Nunciature. It lists no consulates or honorary consulates of the Holy See in India.
The Holy See's national day is 8 May (Anniversary of the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV).
India's representation to the Holy See
According to the brief, India's Ambassador to Austria, resident in Vienna, is concurrently accredited to the Holy See.
Visas and enquiries
The brief contains no information on visas, consular services or travel. Readers with enquiries for the Holy See should contact the Apostolic Nunciature in New Delhi and confirm any requirements with it directly.
Honorary consuls
Honorary consuls, where a state appoints them, have limited powers and do not provide the full range of services of an embassy or nunciature. Any document or other consular requirements should always be confirmed with the Apostolic Nunciature in New Delhi.