George Jacob Koovakad: Pope Francis on Saturday appointed 51-year-old Indian priest George Jacob Koovakad as a ‘Cardinal’ in a grand ceremony held at the Vatican. The ceremony, held at the famous St. Peter’s Basilica, was attended by clergy and dignitaries from all over the world and 21 new bishops from different countries were appointed. Priests were appointed cardinals.
The ceremony began at 8:30 pm (Indian time), with a procession accompanied by the 21 cardinals named. Later, the Pope addressed the congregation and presented the traditional hat and ring to the cardinals-designate and were then given certificates. With the appointment of Koovakad, priest of the Changanassery Archdiocese Church of Kerala, the total number of Indian cardinals has increased to six, which will further strengthen the country’s representation in the Vatican. Let us know who is George Koovakad
Was born in Thiruvananthapuram
George Koovakad was born on 11 August 1973 in Thiruvananthapuram. He was appointed priest on 24 July 2004. He had received training in diplomatic service from the prestigious Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy. Kouvakad has played an important role in the Church’s diplomatic work in countries such as Algeria, South Korea, Iran, Costa Rica and Venezuela. He has been organizing the Pope’s global trips in the Vatican Secretariat since 2020.
PM Modi expressed happiness
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, other senior leaders and heads of major churches in India have welcomed the announcement with joy and pride. Prime Minister Modi wrote on ‘X’ on Saturday, ‘This is a matter of great pride for India.’ The Prime Minister said, “George Cardinal Koovakad has dedicated his life to the service of humanity as an ardent follower of Lord Jesus Christ. My best wishes for his future endeavours.”
He said that the Government of India had sent a delegation led by Union Minister George Kurien to attend the event. He wrote that before the ceremony, the Indian delegation also met Pope Francis.
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