The Diocese of Belthangady was erected by the Papal Bull "CUM AMPLA", dated April 24, 1999 of His Holiness Pope John Paul II as a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Thalasserry. This diocese has been established for the Syro-Malabar Catholics of the three districts of Karnataka state, viz, Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. Till the Diocese of Belthangady was established, this region was under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Thalasserry. As Belthangady is in Karnataka state with a different language and culture, it was difficult to cater to the spiritual needs of the faithful directly from Thalasserry. Hence it was declared a Mission Province of the Archdiocese of Thalasserry and Episcopal Vicar was appointed on November 10, 1979. This Mission grew up and finally the diocese of Belthangady was established on April 24, 1999 and Bp Lawrence Mukkuzhy was nominated as the First Bishop of the new diocese. The inauguration of the diocese and the Episcopal ordination of the bishop took place on August 4, 1999.