Archbishop Joseph Arshad was installed as Bishop of Islamabad-Rawalpindi Diocese in Pakistan’s Northern Province on Sunday, Feb. 10.

He replaces Bishop Rufin Anthony who died in October 2016.

Archbishop Arshad had previously been bishop of Faisalabad and was conferred by the pope with the personal title “archbishop” when he was transferred to Islamabad-Rawalpindi Diocese on Dec. 8.

Archbishop Joseph Coutts of Karachi, performed the installation ceremony held at St. Mary’s Academy, in Rawalpindi.

More than 5,000 people, including priests, nuns, political leaders, and diplomats attended the ceremony.

As per his motto “Peace and Hope” Archbishop Arshad, who is also president of the country’s bishops’ conference, invited Catholics in the diocese to work to promote peace, hope, unity and harmony.

The See of Islamabad-Rawalpindi was rendered vacant with the death of Bishop Rufin Anthony, who died on October, 17, 2016.

Bishop Joseph Arshad has also had a rich experience of working in the Vatican’s diplomatic service. He has held important positions in the apostolic nunciatures of Malta, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Madagascar  and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

“As Christians in Pakistan we are facing challenges but we have to stay firm in our faith as followers of Jesus Christ and look forward to do well for the betterment and development of Pakistan, our beloved homeland,” he said.

  Catholic Church, Pakistani christian