(Commonwealth_India) Pope Francis has recently appointed Indian Catholic priest George Jacob Koovakad to the prestigious rank of Cardinal during a solemn ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. The occasion, which saw the induction of 21 new cardinals from various countries, was a momentous event in the history of the Catholic Church. Attended by senior Catholic clergy and dignitaries from around the world, the ceremony underscored the global significance of the event.
George Jacob Koovakad, hailing from the Archdiocese of Changanassery in Kerala, becomes the sixth Indian to attain the high rank of Cardinal. This marks a key moment for India’s Catholic community, enhancing the country’s representation within the highest echelons of the Church. His appointment is a reflection of the growing recognition and influence of the Indian Catholic community in global Church affairs.
Born on August 11, 1973, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Koovakad’s religious calling began early in life. Koovakad entered the clergy and received his priestly ordination in 2004. Recognizing the crucial role of diplomacy in the Vatican’s operations, Koovakad continued his education at the esteemed Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, which trains priests for diplomatic roles within the Holy See.
His diplomatic career began in 2006 with a posting to the Apostolic Nunciature in Algeria. High esteem for Koovakad’s work in Algeria led to further diplomatic assignments. From 2009 to 2012, he served as Secretary of the Nunciature in South Korea. His diplomatic skills were further recognized during his tenure in Iran from 2012 to 2014, where he continued in a similar role. These early postings allowed him to gain invaluable experience in managing diplomatic relations between the Vatican and countries of diverse cultures and political landscapes.
From 2014 to 2020, Koovakad’s diplomatic responsibilities expanded to Latin America. He served as a Counselor at the Nunciature in Costa Rica until 2018 and then moved to Venezuela, where he continued in a similar capacity until 2020. His extensive diplomatic experience in these regions helped strengthen the Vatican’s relationships with local governments and advanced the Church’s global mission.
Koovakad joined the Holy See’s Secretariat of State in 2020, where he plays a crucial role in coordinating Pope Francis’ international travels. His work has been integral in organizing the Pope’s global outreach, ensuring smooth operations for the Vatican’s diplomatic activities. Additionally, Koovakad holds the titular position of Archbishop of Nisibis, an ancient diocese located in modern-day Turkey, further enhancing his ecclesiastical influence.
The elevation of Koovakad to Cardinal is not only a personal milestone in his remarkable career but also a moment of national pride for India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Koovakad through social media, emphasizing the significance of his appointment as a cardinal. He described it as a matter of immense pride for India, highlighting the achievement of the archbishop in the global Catholic community.
The ceremony was attended by an Indian delegation, which included prominent members of the Union Cabinet and senior political figures, all gathered to honor Koovakad’s achievement. This event symbolizes a new chapter in the growing influence of the Indian Catholic community, both within the Church and on the world stage.
Koovakad’s promotion to Cardinal is a recognition of his distinguished career and his service to the Catholic Church, particularly in his diplomatic and ecclesiastical roles. As the sixth Indian to receive such an appointment, his new role will serve as an inspiration to many, especially within India, where the Catholic community plays an important role in the country’s cultural and spiritual life. His continued service to the Church in this higher capacity will undoubtedly shape the future of global Catholicism, reinforcing the Vatican’s influence on the world stage.
