In an unprecedented move, Pope Francis appointed Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad, a 51-year-old priest from Kerala, to the College of Cardinals last month, making him the first Indian priest to be included in this assembly of high-ranking clergy responsible for electing the Pope. Monsignor Koovakad shared his thoughts on his unexpected nomination, his mission, and the role of the Catholic Church in India during a recent conversation with *India Today*.
When asked about his reaction to becoming a cardinal-designate, Monsignor Koovakad expressed his astonishment. “I was completely surprised by the nomination,” he admitted. Nevertheless, he emphasized the importance of humility and trust in the decisions of the Church, viewing the appointment as part of a larger divine plan. “In the Church, we are called to humbly accept the will of God as revealed through the authorities. I always wonder how God sees me as faithful even when I am weak and unworthy,” he added.
The elevation of an Indian priest to cardinal without being a bishop is unusual within the Roman Catholic hierarchy, though not without precedent in other countries. Monsignor Koovakad attributes this decision to Pope Francis’ compassion for the underprivileged, noting how the Pope’s focus often rests on those facing hardship. “Whenever he visits places, it is not the crowds that capture his attention but the weak and vulnerable. A poor person in a wheelchair or a stranded child—they are the ones who catch his eye,” he observed. He felt that the Pope’s compassionate vision, which reaches out to the poor and marginalized, somehow extended to him as well.
The Church in India, despite its ancient roots stretching back 2,000 years, faces several modern challenges. In response to how he plans to address these issues, Monsignor Koovakad acknowledged that such obstacles are not new for the Catholic Church, which has overcome adversity throughout its history. “For 2,000 years, the Church has thrived despite many challenges. This is because Jesus is at the helm. It is His Church. Therefore, we should not be discouraged,” he affirmed. He highlighted India’s long-standing tradition of tolerance and spirituality as central to the Church’s mission, promoting peace and mutual respect. “Indian culture is essentially spiritual and conveys the conviction that peace is possible in all walks of life with mutual respect and courageous dialogue,” he emphasized.
Monsignor Koovakad has extensive experience in diplomatic roles within the Church, having successfully managed issues affecting Catholic communities in various countries. However, when discussing the challenges facing the Church in India, he conveyed a sense of duty rather than personal ambition. “A minister of the Church does not choose his own ministry. It is entrusted to him by Jesus through the respective authority within the Church. All who are given authority work together to resolve issues as they arise, trusting in God’s power,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to the broader mission of the Church.
As to whether Pope Francis would accept an invitation from the Indian Prime Minister to visit India in 2025, Monsignor Koovakad expressed cautious optimism. While he acknowledged the Pope’s willingness to accept invitations, he explained that other responsibilities might complicate scheduling. “The Holy Father is open to all invitations, but there are many pending visits due to various reasons. Next year is the Jubilee Year, so the Holy Father may need to be in the Vatican. However, I believe the visit to India is a priority among the future papal visits,” he remarked, signaling hope for a possible papal visit.
Regarding his vision for the Church, Monsignor Koovakad described his guiding principle as “to spread the fragrance of Christ’s love,” quoting a verse from the Bible. He believes that all actions within the Church should be grounded in the teachings of Jesus, reflecting His love and compassion. “Everything we do should flow from Jesus. We are called to spread the fragrance of love of the Good Shepherd, who knows each of His sheep by name,” he shared. Monsignor Koovakad expressed a strong sense of duty in embodying this mission, aiming for Church members to radiate the divine love and humanity they are called to represent. “Our mission is to let our lives in the Church and the world carry the sweet aroma of His presence,” he elaborated.
The Syro-Malabar Church in Kerala has been embroiled in controversies surrounding liturgical reforms, and its former head, Cardinal George Alencherry, faced a criminal investigation. When questioned about these internal disputes, Monsignor Koovakad responded with a resolute stance on faith. He stressed the importance of staying grounded in Christian beliefs, expressing confidence that the Church would endure through such trials. “We must remain steadfast on the solid rock of faith that Jesus has given to the Church through the Successor of Peter and the College of bishops. Whatever stands against this rock will eventually crumble in the face of adversity,” he stated. Acknowledging human imperfection, he noted, “To err is human, but to return to the right path with humility is divine.”
Monsignor Koovakad also addressed the challenges posed by misinformation and negative perceptions aimed at the Church. He expressed concern that unfounded criticisms could distract from the Church’s mission, advocating for a steadfast commitment to truth and resilience against external pressures. “The Church has often been the target of false accusations and slander. We must not allow the winds of temptation to sweep away the truth,” he argued, urging fellow believers to uphold their faith and resist misleading narratives. “Let us hold firm in our faith and not be led astray by propaganda,” he concluded.
Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad’s appointment as cardinal brings a historic honor to India, marking the first instance of a priest from the country being inducted into the esteemed Consistory of Cardinals. His journey, rooted in humility and dedication to service, exemplifies the Pope’s vision of a Church that stands in solidarity with the most vulnerable. Through his new role, Monsignor Koovakad aspires to deepen the Church’s mission of compassion and love, fostering resilience and unity amidst challenges while striving to uphold the timeless values of the Christian faith.
