The Archdiocese of Verapoly was originally known as the Vicariate of Malabar was originated on 1657 with the arrival of Carmelite missionaries.
Most prominent was the priest Joseph of St. Mary, better known as Joseph Sebastiani. On 13 March 1709, a brief of Pope Clement XI Malabar Vicariate was suppressed and the Vicariate of Verapoly took its place with Bishop.
Angelo Francisco as its first Vicar Apostolic.
By the famous apostolic letter “Humanae Salutis Auctor” of Leo XIII dated 1 September 1886, the Hierarchy of India was established, the Vicariate of Verapoly was raised to the status of an Archdiocese with Leonard Mellano of St. Louis as its first Archbishop. Servant of God Dr. Joseph Attippetty was the first native Archbishop of Verapoly and Dr. Joseph Kelanthara, Dr. Cornelius Elanjikal, Dr. Daniel Acharparambil, Dr. Francis Kallarakal succeeded after him and Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Kalathiparambil is the present Archbishop and Dr. Antony Valunkal being the Auxilary Bishop.