Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his pride after Archbishop George Jacob Koovakad from Kerala was elevated to the Cardinal post of the Roman Catholic Church by Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “A matter of great joy and pride for India! Delighted at His Eminence George Jacob Koovakad being created a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Catholic Church by His Holiness Pope Francis. His Eminence George Cardinal Koovakad has devoted his life to the service of humanity as an ardent follower of Lord Jesus Christ. My best wishes for his future endeavors.”
India sent a delegation to witness the special ceremony in Vatican City, where Archbishop Koovakad of the Changanacherry diocese was bestowed with the title of Cardinal by Pope Francis.
In an interview with Vatican News, the Cardinal remarked, “I am from Kerala, India, and belong to the Syro-Malabar Church, an Eastern Church in full communion with the Catholic Church. Saint Thomas the Apostle brought us the faith in the first century.”
Speaking about the Christian community in India, Koovakad added, “India has much to offer the world, particularly in its tradition of tolerance, which has historically been a model for the world. Moreover, Indian culture is essentially spiritual and conveys the conviction that peace is achievable in all walks of life, provided there is mutual respect and courageous dialogue.”
Born in Chethipuzha, Kerala, Cardinal Koovakad was ordained a priest in 2004 in Changanacherry. He later joined the diplomatic service of the Holy See and served in nunciatures in Algeria, South Korea, Iran, Costa Rica, and Venezuela. Since 2021, he has been serving as the Organizer of Papal Journeys, according to Vatican News.
Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Fisheries, George Kurian, expressed his honor in leading the official delegation to the Vatican for the ordination ceremony. In a post on X, he said, “PM Narendra Modi’s vision of equal rights and opportunities for all religions has made India the safest country for minorities. Honored to lead the official delegation to the Vatican for the ordination of Cardinal George J. Koovakad, reflecting Modi Ji’s love for Kerala and the Christian community.”
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also shared his delight, stating, “Delighted that the Indian delegation led by Minister George Kurian could visit the Vatican on this auspicious occasion,” in a post on X.