Cardinal Simon Ignatius Pimenta, Archbishop emeritus of Bombay (India), was born on 1 March 1920 in Marol, a suburb of Bombay. He did his studies in philosophy and theology at the seminary of Bombay, St. Pius College and obtained a baccalaureate in pedagogy and mathematics from the State University.

He was ordained a priest on 21 December 1949. In 1954 he obtained a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome. Upon returning to Bombay, he served as assistant pastor, secretary to Cardinal Valerias Gracias, vice-chancellor, and defender of the bond. From 1959 to 1960 he was parish priest of the Cathedral, professor of liturgy at the seminary, episcopal vicar for the formation of young priests and for the liturgy, and rector of the major seminary St. Pius X. At the same time, he also published some works.

On 5 June 1971, he was appointed titular Bishop of Bocconia and Auxiliary of Bombay, receiving episcopal ordination on 29 June of the same year.

Some years later, on 26 February 1977, Paul VI nominated him Coadjutor Archbishop of Bombay and on 11 September 1978 he became Archbishop.

Two years later as Archbishop, he called for a diocesan synod and he has been very active in pastoral and charitable activities especially in managing 12 hospitals and 44 dispensaries, and has dedicated much to catholic education.

He served as president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India for three consecutive terms until 1988.

President Delegate, VIII Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Boshops (30 September - 28 October 1990.

Created and proclaimed Cardinal by Bl. John Paul II in the consistory of 28 June 1988, of the Title of S. Maria Regina Mundi a Torre Spaccata.

Archbishop emeritus of Bombay, 8 November 1996.

Cardinal Simon Ignatius Pimenta died on 19 July 2013.