Joseph Kariyil

Joseph Kariyil (born 11 January 1949) is an Indian prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who was bishop of Cochin from 2009 to 2024.

Biography
Joseph Kariyil was born on 11 January 1949 in Arthunkal, near Alleppey. He was ordained a priest on 19 December 1973 by Bishop Alexander Edezath at Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Fortcochin. He was appointed as the Bishop of Punalur on 12 March 2005 and was consecrated on 3 May 2005. He was appointed Bishop of Cochin on 8 May 2009. He was installed in as the Bishop of Cochin on 5 July 2009. His role as the bishop of Cochin made great developments in the diocese, when he installed as the bishop of Cochin, there were 38 parishes and now there are 51 parishes in the diocese.

On 2 March 2024, Pope Francis officially accepted bp Joseph Kariyil's resignation due to retirement age of 75 according to the 1983 Code of Canon Law. 

He studied at Alphonciano Academy, Rome, Italy. He served the Church in the capacities of an assistant Vicar, Vicar and the editor of Talent Magazine. He also served as the Director of Pastoral Orientation Centre and as the Vicar General of Cochin diocese.