Ankara, Turkey: In a historic ceremony at the Vatican on Saturday, 51-year-old George Jacob Koovakad from Kerala was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Francis. This marks a groundbreaking moment as Koovakad becomes the first Indian priest to be directly elevated to cardinal, unlike previous Indian cardinals who were bishops or archbishops before their promotion. The grand consistory, held at St. Peter's Basilica, saw the induction of 21 new cardinals, with clergy and dignitaries from across the globe in attendance.
Koovakad, hailing from the Archdiocese of Changanassery, now joins the elite group of six Indian cardinals, further enhancing India’s presence in the Vatican. Since 2020, he has played a pivotal role in organizing the Pope’s international travels, reflecting the strong rapport he shares with Pope Francis. Notably, on September 2 last year, the Pope made a video call to Koovakad’s grandmother, Sosamma Antony, aged 95, after her health declined following a Covid infection.
Before this elevation, Koovakad held the title of monsignor and was recently appointed titular archbishop of Nisibis in Turkey. Reflecting on his journey, Koovakad said, “This is God’s will, something I never anticipated. When I was sent here in 2006, my seniors remarked that learning the Bible could be done in Kerala, but being sent to the Vatican was an opportunity to gain profound insights.”
Cardinal George Alencherry, major archbishop emeritus of the Syro-Malabar Church, expressed joy over Koovakad’s elevation, calling it a proud moment for the Indian Catholic community. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also celebrated the achievement, stating on X, “It is a matter of immense pride for India that Archbishop George Koovakad has been created as a Cardinal by Pope Francis.”
Born on August 11, 1974, Koovakad was ordained as a priest on July 24, 2004. He later received training in diplomatic service at the prestigious Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy. Beginning his diplomatic career at the apostolic nunciature in Algeria in 2006, he went on to join the Holy See's Secretariat of State in 2020, where he has since managed the Pope’s global travels.
This momentous appointment marks a new chapter in Indian Catholic history, highlighting Koovakad’s remarkable journey and the deepening ties between India and the Vatican.
