Cardinal Simon Ignatius Pimenta, Archbishop Emeritus of Bombay (India), was born on March 1, 1920 in Marol, a suburb of Bombay. He did his studies in philosophy and theology at the seminary of Bombay, St. Pius College and obtained a baccalaureate in pedagogy and mathematics from the State University.
He was ordained a priest on December 21, 1949. In 1954 he obtained a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome. Upon returning to Bombay, he served as assistant pastor, secretary to Cardinal Valerias Gracias, vice-chancellor, and defender of the bond. From 1959 to 1960 he was parish priest of the Cathedral, professor of liturgy at the seminary, episcopal vicar for the formation of young priests and for the liturgy, and rector of the major seminary St. Pius X. At the same time, he also published some works.
On June 5, 1971, he was appointed titular Bishop of Bocconia and Auxiliary of Bombay, receiving episcopal ordination on June 29 of the same year.
Some years later, on February 26, 1977, Paul VI nominated him Coadjutor Archbishop of Bombay and on September 11, 1978 he became Archbishop.
Two years later as Archbishop, he called for a diocesan synod and he has been very active in pastoral and charitable activities especially in managing 12 hospitals and 44 dispensaries, and has dedicated much to catholic education.
He served as president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India for three consecutive terms until 1988.
President Delegate, VIII Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (September 30 - October 28, 1990).
Created and proclaimed Cardinal by John Paul II in the consistory of June 28, 1988, of the Title of S. Maria Regina Mundi a Torre Spaccata.
Archbishop Emeritus of Bombay, November 8, 1996 until his death on July 19, 2013.
