VATICAN CITY, Dec 8: Indian priest George Jacob Koovakad, 51, was elevated to the rank of Cardinal by Pope Francis during a grand consistory held at St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday. The ceremony, which saw the induction of 21 new cardinals from around the world, was attended by clergy and dignitaries, marking a significant moment for India’s representation in the Vatican.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed immense pride in the occasion, calling it “a matter of great joy and pride for India.” In a post on X, Modi praised Koovakad’s lifelong devotion to humanity and service as a follower of Jesus Christ. “Delighted at His Eminence George Jacob Koovakad being created a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Catholic Church by His Holiness Pope Francis,” Modi wrote. He further extended his best wishes to Koovakad for his future endeavors.
Koovakad, hailing from the Archdiocese of Changanassery in Kerala, is now the sixth Indian cardinal, a testament to India’s growing representation in the Vatican. Having been closely involved in organizing the Pope’s international travels since 2020, Koovakad shares a strong bond with the pontiff. Prior to his new title, he held the position of Monsignor and was appointed the titular archbishop of Nisibis in Turkey.
Born in Thiruvananthapuram on August 11, 1973, Koovakad was ordained as a priest on July 24, 2004. He pursued diplomatic training at the prestigious Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy and began his diplomatic career in 2006 at the Apostolic Nunciature in Algeria. Koovakad has served in significant roles in various countries, including South Korea, Iran, Costa Rica, and Venezuela, before joining the Secretariat of State of the Holy See in 2020.
