LAHORE, Pakistan – A Capuchin Franciscan priest has been installed as the Archbishop of Lahore, taking over the leadership of Pakistan’s largest Catholic diocese after a turbulent period following the ouster of his predecessor.
Archbishop Khalid Rahmat, OFM Cap, 57, was installed as head of the Archdiocese of Lahore in a ceremony on March 28, acknowledging a period of “particular difficulties and challenges” following the removal of Archbishop Sebastian Shaw, OFM, in August 2024 – an unprecedented development in the country’s Catholic history.
During the liturgy, Vicar General Father Asif Sardar read an Urdu translation of the papal bull, which referenced the trials faced by Pakistan’s largest Catholic diocese, home to an estimated 577,000 faithful.
Quoting Pope Leo XIV, he said, “We devote all our energies to the administration of the ship of the Church, which for different reasons is sometimes attacked by waves, which requires guidance both from us and from the dedicated clergy we appoint. For this reason, we have turned our attention to the metropolitan see of Lahore.”
Archbishop Khalid Rehmat of Lahore sits with Archbishop Germano Penemot (left) and Archbishop of Karachi Benny Mario Travas (right) during the installation Mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore, Pakistan on March 28, 2026. Credits: Photo courtesy of Catholic TV Pakistan Director Jasbar Ashiq
The comments were widely understood as an indirect reference to Shaw, who was appointed Apostolic Vicar of Quetta and installed at St Mary’s Catholic Church on March 24. Before this, he was living at the Franciscan Friars Minor House in Karachi, which was described by church officials as a retreat.
allegations against shaw
Shaw has faced a number of allegations in recent years, including claims of financial mismanagement and misconduct involving church funds and properties that have circulated in media reports and social media.
In 2017, he was criticized for allowing a political address by Maryam Nawaz, now the Chief Minister of Punjab, at the Sacred Heart Cathedral during an election campaign.
Further controversy emerged in 2021 when a Christian activist shared photos and documents on social media alleging irregular land transactions involving Shaw. He declined to comment on the claims when contacted by EWTN News.
In 2022, additional allegations surfaced regarding the personal conduct of a suspended priest, although archdiocesan officials dismissed them as unfounded.
Several Catholics, including a former Caritas Pakistan official, had previously submitted complaints to the Vatican regarding alleged abuse of authority and financial irregularities.
‘Looks like things have calmed down’
Archbishop Benny Mario Travas of Karachi, who served as Apostolic Administrator of Lahore during the transition, noted the decline in complaints reaching the Apostolic Nunciature, drawing light laughter from the congregation when he remarked that “things seem to have calmed down.”
The Apostolic Nuncio to Pakistan, Archbishop Germano Pennemote, thanked Travas for his leadership during a turbulent period.
Addressing the faithful on the eve of Palm Sunday, he said, “The Church in Lahore is invited to experience this moment as a true resurrection – to emerge from the chaos into new life, to step out of the shadows into the bright light of the risen Lord.”
Catholic lay leaders say the way forward will require structural and cultural renewal.
Shahid Rahmat, executive director of the Youth Development Foundation, stressed the need for greater accountability and transparency within church leadership.
“The Internet has changed the world. Young people are no longer dependent on, nor controlled by, church leaders,” he told EWTN News. He urged officials to make public the findings of any investigation into Shaw’s tenure.
He said, “Transparency will help restore trust among believers and strengthen the credibility of the new leadership. Christian activists – many of whom are formed within Church institutions – have often been labeled disloyal. Recognizing their role can support the Church’s mission for justice and peace.”
Archbishop Khalid Rehmat addresses his installation Mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore, Pakistan, on March 28, 2026. Credits: Photo courtesy of Catholic TV Pakistan Director Jasbar Ashiq
Rahmat, former diocesan coordinator of the Catholic Youth Ministry of the Lahore Archdiocese, also expressed cautious optimism about the leadership of the new archbishop.
“He is well known in Quetta and has the ability to make the church more accessible and outward-looking while strengthening the church’s struggling commissions,” he said.
