Kerala priest George Koovakad elevated as Cardinal by Pope Francis

Thiruvananthapuram: In a grand consistory held in the Vatican on Saturday, 51-year-old Indian priest George Jacob Koovakad was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Francis.

The ceremony, held at the famous St Peter’s Basilica and attended by clergy and dignitaries from around the world, witnessed the induction of 21 new cardinals from various countries.

The ceremony began at 8.30 pm (IST) marking a procession with 21 cardinal-designated to the altar of St Peter’s Basilica. Later, the Pope addressed the gathering and handed over the ceremonious cap and ring to the cardinal-designate, followed by a certificate accompanied by prayers.

Hailing from the Archdiocese of Changanassery in Kerala, Koovakad’s appointment brings the total number of Indian cardinals to six, further strengthening the country’s representation in the Vatican.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, other senior leaders and heads of churches across India have welcomed the announcement with joy and pride.

“It is a matter of immense pride for India that Archbishop George Koovakad will be created as a Cardinal by His Holiness Pope Francis,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on ‘X’ on Saturday.

He said the Government of India sent a delegation led by Union Minister George Kurian to witness this ceremony.

Prior to the ceremony, the Indian delegation also called on Pope Francis, his post further read.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in his message, extended all greetings to the new cardinal, saying the elevation of priest George Koovakad is a recognition for the Christian community in India and Kerala and especially the Syro Malabar Church.

Faithfuls from Kerala and across the world have expressed pride in the elevation of one of their own priests.

Cardinal George Alencherry, the former Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, expressed his delight at the elevation of another Indian to the cardinalate.

“He is a person who has rendered commendable services to the Church,” he said, adding that it is a proud moment for the Catholic Church, Kerala, and India.

Cardinal Baselios Cleemis noted that this decision to directly elevate a priest is a special recognition.

Priests from Changanassery hailed this as a proud moment for the Indian Church. Many believers from his hometown have travelled to the Vatican to witness the momentous occasion.

Archbishop Mar Joseph Perumthottam hailed the moment as a big recognition for the believers.

In Changanassery, parishioners and well-wishers celebrated the historic occasion with special prayers and thanksgiving services.

The Indian delegation headed by Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian, comprising former Union Ministers of State Kodikkunnil Suresh, former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, BJP leaders Anil Antony, Anoop Antony, and Tom Vadakkan also witnessed the ordination ceremony.

The episcopal consecration ceremony was held in Changanassery last month as part of his elevation to the rank of cardinal.

Koovakad, has been organising Pope Francis’ international travels since 2020.

Previously, Koovakad, who held the title of Monsignor, was declared the Titular Archbishop of Nisibis in Turkey.

The priest is currently based in the Vatican.

A delegation from the Archdiocese of Changanassery, to which he belongs, departed for the Vatican on Thursday to attend the ordination ceremony. The delegation was led by Changanassery Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil.

Born on 11 August 1973 in Thiruvananthapuram, Koovakad was ordained as a priest on July 24, 2004. He later pursued training for diplomatic service at the prestigious Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy.

In 2006, he began his diplomatic career at the Apostolic Nunciature in Algeria.

Over the years, Koovakad held various significant roles, including Secretary of the Nunciature in South Korea (2009–2012) and Iran (2012–2014).

He subsequently served as Counsellor of the Nunciatures in Costa Rica (2014–2018) and Venezuela (2018–2020).

In 2020, he joined the Secretariat of State of the Holy See, where he assumed responsibility for organising the Pope’s global travels, according to the Church.

Following the ordination ceremony, the new cardinals will visit the Pope at the Vatican Palace to receive his blessing.

On Sunday, at 1 PM (IST), they will join the Pope in celebrating Holy Mass, according to a Church release.