The diocese of Calicut was spread out to an area of 13051 Sq. Kms. in six revenue districts. In the context of such an extensive area there was the need of a new diocese for the benefit of the faithful. Bishop Maxwell Noronha, in consultation with the priests, religious and the laity requested the Holy See to establish the new diocese of Kannur.

The Holy Father, Pope John Paul II by the Apostolic Brief, dated 5th November 1998, created the Diocese of Kannur from the Diocese of Calicut. On the same day Rt.Rev. Dr. Varghese Chakkalakal who was a professor at St.Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore, and a priest of the diocese of Calicut, was elected the Bishop of Kannur and the Bishop elect was consecrated on 7th February 1999 and he took charge of the diocese on 8th February 1999. The Bishop has taken as his motto “according to your will” “Daivathirumanassinu Vidheyathuvam”.