Bishop Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha was born in Our Lady of Remedies parish, Kirem, near Kinnigoli, Diocese of Mangalore, on 27th April, 1964. After his primary and secondary education in his village, he did his philosophy and theology at St. Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore. He was ordained Priest on 6th May, 1991, for the Diocese of Mangalore. Later he obtained a diploma in Depth Psychology and Formation, from the Institute for Formators, Bangalore, in 1994. He also obtained a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Urbanian University, Rome, in 2005.
The title of his doctoral thesis is: “Revelation as ‘Self-communication’ of God”. Other than writing articles in national and international journals, he has also authored a book in Christian theology, titled: “The Church, Mystery of Love and Communion”, published in 2014 from the Urbanian University Press. As a professor of theology, he has guided many students in their Masters and doctoral studies.
During his tenure as priest, he served the Diocese in the following ministries: Assistant Parish Priest at St. Lawrence’s Church, Moodubelle (1991-1992); Assistant Parish Priest at Our Lady of Miracles Church, Milagres, Mangalore (1992-1994); Assistant Parish Priest at Our Lady of Dolours Church, Vittal (1994-1996); Teacher and Formator at St. Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu (1996-1999) and at the same time, Vice Rector of the same Seminary (1997-1999). From 1999 to 2005 he did his studies in Rome, and on his return he was appointed Professor at St. Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu (2005-2010), and from 2008-2010 also Vice Rector of the same Seminary.
Since 2010 he was Professor of Theology at the Pontifical Urbanian University, Rome. From 2011-2015, he was the Spiritual Father at the Pontificio Collegio Urbano De Propaganda Fide, Rome. On 14.03.2015 the Holy Father appointed him as Consultor of the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, and in July 2015 he was appointed as Adiutor Secretarii Specialis (Helper to the Special Secretary) of the XIV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops which dealt on the topic of family.
He was ordained bishop on September 15, 2018 at the Our Lady of Rosary Cathedral Grounds, Mangaluru. Bishop Saldanha speaks fluently in Konkani, Kannada, Tulu, English, Hindi and Italian. He reads easily in French.
He is known for his simplicity and listening capacity. He promotes participatory type of leadership. He has taken keen interest in building bridges between various religious communities and promoting green movement. The teachings of Pope Francis are highly prized by the Bishop and he has been drawing his inspiration from him.
