In a grand consistory held in the Vatican on Saturday, 51-year-old Indian priest George Jacob Koovakad was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Francis.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, other senior leaders and heads of churches across India have welcomed the announcement with joy and pride.
PM Modi said, “It is a matter of great joy and pride for India.”
He said George Cardinal Koovakad has devoted his life to the service of humanity as an ardent 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 said in a post on X.
“His Eminence George Cardinal Koovakad has devoted his life in service of humanity as an ardent follower of Lord Jesus Christ. My best wishes for his future endeavours,” the prime minister said.
The ceremony, held at the famous St Peter’s Basilica and attended by clergy and dignitaries from around the world, witnessed the induction of 21 new cardinals from various countries.
Hailing from the Archdiocese of Changanassery in Kerala, Koovakad’s appointment brings the total number of Indian cardinals to six, further strengthening the country’s representation in the Vatican.
Koovakad, who has been organizing the Pope’s international travels since 2020, shares a close bond with him.
Koovakad, who previously held the title of Monsignor, was recently named the titular archbishop of Nisibis in Turkey.
Born on 11 August 1973 in Thiruvananthapuram, Koovakad was ordained as a priest on July 24, 2004. He later pursued training for diplomatic service at the prestigious Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy.
In 2006, he began his diplomatic career at the Apostolic Nunciature in Algeria.
Over the years, Koovakad held various significant roles, including Secretary of the Nunciature in South Korea (2009–2012) and Iran (2012–2014).
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He subsequently served as Counsellor of the Nunciatures in Costa Rica (2014–2018) and Venezuela (2018–2020).
In 2020, he joined the Secretariat of State of the Holy See, where he assumed responsibility for organising the Pope’s global travels, according to the Church.
