India (Commonwealth Union)_ Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of more than 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican announced early Monday morning. The Vatican camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, confirmed the news, stating, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.” Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history as the first Jesuit, the first Latin American, and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years. He was elected to the papacy in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Throughout his 12-year tenure, he became a global symbol of humility, reform, and advocacy for the marginalized.
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Pope Francis’s health had been a growing concern recently. He was hospitalized multiple times due to respiratory ailments, including a serious bout of double pneumonia earlier this year. Despite his frailty, he continued to engage actively in papal duties until his final days. His pontificate was marked by significant reforms, including promoting financial transparency in the Vatican and confronting clerical abuse scandals. Notably, his encyclical Laudato Si’ called for urgent global action to combat climate change, cementing his role as a voice for environmental stewardship.
Papal conclave to elect new leader
With Pope Francis’s passing, the Catholic Church will now enter a period known as sede vacante (the seat being vacant), during which a conclave will be convened to elect the next pope. The conclave, steeped in centuries-old traditions, will take place within the Sistine Chapel under the supervision of the camerlengo. A total of 138 cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the papal election, including four Indian cardinals who have emerged as significant figures within the global Catholic community.
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Four eligible Indian Cardinals to vote for the next Pope
India, a country with a vibrant and diverse Catholic population, currently has six cardinals, but only four are under the age limit to participate in the conclave. These cardinals are
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao (72): Serving as the Archbishop of Goa and Daman and the Patriarch of the East Indies, he has focused on issues such as migration, family ministry, and interreligious dialogue. He was elevated to the College of Cardinals in August 2022.
Cardinal Cleemis Baselios (64): Born Isaac Thottumkal, he is the Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church and Archbishop of Trivandrum. He joined the College of Cardinals in 2012 and has long advocated for unity among Eastern Catholic churches.
Cardinal Anthony Poola (63): As India’s first Dalit cardinal, his appointment marked a significant moment in the Church’s efforts to address caste-based discrimination. He is recognized for his commitment to supporting marginalized children and educational initiatives.
Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad (51): The youngest among the Indian cardinals, he is a seasoned Vatican diplomat and currently heads the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. He played a key role in organizing papal trips before being appointed cardinal in December 2024.
As the Church prepares for the conclave, the eyes of the faithful now turn to the Sistine Chapel, where the future direction of Catholicism will be decided. The tradition continues, and soon, the world will once again hear the words: Habemus Papam—“We“ have a Pope.”
