Indian Archbishop Elevated To Cardinal By Pope Francis
India-West News Desk
NEW DELHI – Archbishop George Jacob Koovakad, a distinguished Indian priest and Vatican diplomat, was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Francis in a solemn ceremony held at Vatican City. The milestone has been hailed as a moment of immense pride for India, with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office highlighting the significance of the achievement on social media.
A delegation from India, led by Union Minister George Kurian, attended the ceremony and met with Pope Francis prior to the event. The PMO shared images of the delegation’s meeting with the Pope, underscoring the importance of Archbishop Koovakad’s elevation in strengthening India-Vatican relations.
At 51, Archbishop Koovakad is among the youngest of the 21 new cardinals created by Pope Francis.
Born on August 11, 1973, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, he was ordained as a priest in 2004. Following his ordination, Koovakad pursued advanced training at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome, preparing for a career in the Vatican Diplomatic Service.
Koovakad’s diplomatic journey began in 2006 at the Apostolic Nunciature in Algeria. Over the next two decades, he served in various influential roles, including Secretary of the Nunciatures in South Korea and Iran, and later as Counsellor in Costa Rica and Venezuela. In 2020, he joined the Secretariat of State of the Holy See, where he took on the significant responsibility of organizing Pope Francis’s international travels.
Known for his dedication and exceptional administrative skills, Archbishop Koovakad has played a vital role in coordinating the Pope’s global engagements during a pivotal period in the Church’s history. His elevation to cardinal reflects both his personal achievements and the growing recognition of Indian clergy within the Catholic Church.
The ceremony in Vatican City was attended by dignitaries and religious leaders from around the world, marking a historic moment for India and the global Catholic community. Archbishop Koovakad’s elevation is expected to further strengthen India’s representation in the Church’s global affairs.
