Simon Almeida

Simon Almeida (born 4 November 1960) is an Indian Roman Catholic prelate who has been appointed as the Bishop of the Diocese of Poona on 1 November 2025 by Pope Leo XIV.

Early life and education Simon Almeida was born on 4 November 1960 in Ghas (now in the Diocese of Vasai), Maharashtra, India. In 1978, he entered the Prakash Bhavan Minor Seminary in Pune.

He pursued philosophical and theological studies at St. Pius X College in Goregaon, Mumbai. He further obtained a Diploma in Foundations for Pastoral Renewal and Steward Leadership in the Church of the Poor from the East Asian Pastoral Institute, Manila (2000–2001) and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines (2000–2002).

Priesthood Almeida was ordained a priest on 1 April 1990 for the Diocese of Poona by Bishop Valerian D'Souza. During his 35 years of priestly ministry, he held various pastoral and administrative roles within the diocese.

His positions include: Assistant Parish Priest, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Pune (1990–1994)

Simon Almeida received episcopal ordination from Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao on 17 January 2026 and was installed as the Bishop of Poona in the same ceremony. The co-consecrators were Archbishop John Rodrigues and Archbishop Elias Gonsalves.