The Catholic diocese of Penang has welcomed Sebastian Francis as its fifth bishop.     

More than 10,000 people witnessed the ordination and installation ceremony of the new bishop at the St Anne's Church, Bukit Mertajam today.     

Also present were the Pope's representative, Marek Zalewski, who serves as the charge d'affaires of the apostolic nunciature in Kuala Lumpur, Information Communication and Culture Deputy Minister Maglin Dennis D'Cruz and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.     

Bishop Sebastian, 61, was born in Johor Baharu and has been a priest for 35 years. He replaces Antony Selvanayagam, who led the Penang diocese since 1983.     

The Penang diocese, which was established in 1955, covers Kelantan, Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak.     

Later at a press conference, D'Cruz said he was happy with the appointment of the new bishop, and believed Sebastian would pave the way for the younger generation to mould themselves better.     

He said religion was a tool to integrate and educate the people.    

- Bernama