Indian Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad Appointed Prefect for Interreligious Dialogue by Vatican

On January 24, the Vatican announced the appointment of Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad as the prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. In addition to this prestigious role, Cardinal Koovakad will continue serving as the coordinator of Apostolic Journeys at the Secretary of State.

At 51 years old, Cardinal Koovakad is a member of the Syro-Malabar Church. His journey in the clergy began with his ordination as a priest in 2004 for the Changanacherry Archeparchy. Over the years, he has held various roles in the Church, and on December 7, 2024, Pope Francis elevated him to the position of Cardinal.

By assuming his new responsibilities, Cardinal Koovakad joins the ranks of other notable Indian cardinals who have made significant contributions to the universal Church. These include Cardinal Simon Lourdusamy, who once served as the prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, and Cardinal Ivan Dias, who led the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

This announcement coincides with a significant milestone in the Catholic Church’s history: the diamond jubilee of Nostra Aetate. This landmark document from the Second Vatican Council, officially titled “Declaration on the Relation of the Church with Non-Christian Religions,” was promulgated by Pope Paul VI on October 28, 1965. Nostra Aetate revolutionized the Church’s approach to people of other faiths, emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue.

Interreligious dialogue has traditionally encompassed four key dimensions: the dialogue of life, the dialogue of action, the dialogue of theological exchange, and the dialogue of religious experience. These aspects aim to create meaningful interactions between people of different faiths, fostering mutual respect and collaboration. Over time, theologians and scholars have continued to expand on the concept, underlining its importance for the Church’s mission and life.

Pope John Paul II was instrumental in highlighting the significance of interreligious dialogue as a core aspect of his papacy. Pope Francis, however, has integrated it even further into the global mission of the Church. Whether addressing the faithful in locations such as Dhaka, Dubai, Myanmar, or Mongolia, Pope Francis consistently emphasizes the need for interreligious dialogue as a pathway to peace and cooperation.

At the Vatican, Pope Francis has welcomed numerous delegations from various religious traditions. During these meetings, he has reiterated the necessity of working collectively toward peace and the greater good of humanity. He has also voiced concern about the detrimental impact of religious fundamentalism, describing it as a destructive force akin to a virus. For the Pope, engaging with and respecting other religions is essential in today’s world. “Religious fundamentalism, like a virus, is destroying our life and our cultures in numerous ways,” Pope Francis has observed, while also stressing that mutual dialogue can lead to the purification and renewal of all religions.

Those who actively participate in interreligious dialogue are often empowered to contribute to peace and the values of the Kingdom of God. These include fostering fraternity, justice, dignity, and human rights, as well as promoting enlightenment and the flourishing of life.

Under Pope Francis, interreligious dialogue has become an indispensable component of the Church’s evangelizing mission. The need to explore innovative ways to engage with people of other faiths is more urgent than ever. Such efforts aim to create a world where people can collaborate, grow, and thrive together in harmony.

Cardinal Koovakad’s upbringing in Indian culture, known for its emphasis on respecting diversity, has undoubtedly influenced his worldview. As he steps into his new role, he carries with him the potential to further the mission of fostering fraternity and dialogue among people of various religions, cultures, and perspectives. The Church recognizes that interreligious dialogue is not merely a task but a vital avenue for building bridges in a world often marked by division.

As Cardinal Koovakad shoulders this significant responsibility, his energy and youthful zeal offer hope for strengthening relationships between diverse communities. His leadership in the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue is expected to pave the way for deeper connections and understanding among followers of different faiths. Through these efforts, the Church hopes to inspire mutual respect and shared progress on the path to peace and unity.