Most Rev. Dr. Leo Cornelio SVD served the Khnadwa diocese as the  Bishop from 1999 to 2007.In 2007 he was elevated as the Arch Bishop of Bhopal.

Archbishop Leo Cornelio SVD was born on March 14, 1945 in Kukkunje, near the coastal city of Udupi in Karnataka to Late Mr. Valerian Cornelio and Mrs. Rose Cornelio. After completing his primary schooling in his native place, at the early age of thirteen he was recruited by a well known SVD German missionary, Fr. Peter Verhalen, and was admitted to Rajeshwar Vidhyalaya, Mhow in Madhya Pradesh. There he continued his studies from 1958 to 1962. These four years of studies in Hindi medium, helped him to be conversant in the national language. 

 The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Fr. A.A.Sebastian Durairaj (Provincial Superior of the SVD Central Indian Province) Bishop of Khandwa. The announcement was made public at 3.30 pm (IST) on May 11, 2009

Fr. A.A.Sebastian Durairaj  is the third bishop of Khandwa and he succeeds Most Rev. Dr. Abraham Viruthakulangara (1977 to 1998) and Most Rev. Dr. Leo Cornelio SVD (1999 to 2007).

The Bishop-Elect of Khandwa diocese was consecrated and took charge of the catholic of Diocese of Khandwa on 16th of July 2009 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Khandwa. Many Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, Religious and the Laity from all over the country were present to grace the occasion.

1.My first priority is to encourage and support our Priests, Religious Communities, Catholic families, and Parishes to be more prayerful, united, committed and loving.  Charity, unity and service must be established first in our families, communities, and parishes.  If we do our best to witness to the Word with this priority, the rest will follow automatically in line with the Word.  We will be able to effectively offer our service in diverse ministries (Education, Health Care, and Developmental activities, etc.) as we improve our relationship among ourselves and with our co-workers.
 
2.Visiting regularly all the parishes, institutions and promptly addressing the urgent needs of the diocese to building communities and witnessing to the Word meaningfully.

3.Making our rural missions more vibrant and promising for the future generation with our developmental, Health Care, and educational activities etc.  This goes well with the projects of the Central and State Governments 
 
4.Promoting local culture, folk songs, local languages and vocations.

5.Enriching the environment and taking up projects to address ecological issues.