In a historic consistory held at the Vatican on Saturday, 51-year-old Kerala-born priest George Jacob Koovakad was elevated to the esteemed rank of cardinal by Pope Francis. This remarkable event marked Koovakad as the first priest from India to be directly elevated to this position. Unlike his Indian predecessors, who were bishops or archbishops before their promotion to the cardinalate, Koovakad’s appointment breaks new ground in the history of the Catholic Church in India.
The ceremony, held at St. Peter’s Basilica, was attended by clergy, dignitaries, and faithful from across the globe. Twenty-one new cardinals were inducted in the event, further expanding the global representation in the Vatican. Hailing from the Archdiocese of Changanassery in Kerala, Koovakad’s elevation increased the number of Indian cardinals to six, enhancing the nation’s prominence within the Church’s global leadership.
Koovakad has been a close associate of Pope Francis, especially since 2020, when he took on the role of organizing the Pope’s international travels. This role has forged a strong bond between the two, exemplified by a heartwarming incident on September 2 last year. During that time, Pope Francis made a video call to Koovakad’s 95-year-old grandmother, Sosamma Antony, after her health declined due to COVID-19. The moment reflected the personal connection and mutual respect shared by Koovakad and the Pope.
Before his elevation, Koovakad held the title of monsignor and was recently named the titular archbishop of Nisibis, a historical see located in present-day Turkey. Reflecting on his journey, Koovakad remarked, “This is God’s will which I never expected. When I was sent here (in 2006), I was told by my respected seniors that if it’s to learn the Bible, that can be done in Kerala itself. But since you are being sent to the Vatican, it’s being done to learn things deeply.” His words highlighted the unanticipated nature of his rise and his humility in accepting this divine calling.
The announcement of Koovakad’s elevation brought immense joy and pride to the Indian Catholic community. Cardinal George Alencherry, the major archbishop emeritus of the Syro-Malabar Church, shared his happiness at this significant achievement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to X, formerly Twitter, to express his congratulations. “It is a matter of immense pride for India that Archbishop George Koovakad will be created as a Cardinal by Pope Francis,” Modi posted.
Born on August 11, 1974, Koovakad’s journey to the cardinalate began with his ordination as a priest on July 24, 2004. Following his ordination, he pursued specialized training for diplomatic service at the prestigious Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy. In 2006, he embarked on his diplomatic career, starting at the apostolic nunciature in Algeria. His expertise and dedication led him to join the secretariat of state of the Holy See in 2020, where he managed the Pope’s global travels—a role that cemented his reputation as a trusted and capable servant of the Church.
Koovakad’s elevation signifies a momentous occasion, not just for him personally, but for the Indian Catholic community and the broader Church. It underscores the growing recognition of India’s contributions to the global Catholic community and highlights the dedication and service of its clergy on the international stage.
