Shambhu S Kumaran, India's ambassador to the Holy See, officially presented his credentials as India's ambassador to Pope Francis at a ceremony held at the Vatican. Notably, Kumaran is also India's ambassador to Austria and Montenegro. "Ambassador Shambhu S Kumaran presented his credentials as Ambassador of India to His Holiness Pope Francis Pope Francis at a ceremony held at the Vatican on December 7. "
In a post on X, Kumaran wrote, "Proud to represent #भारत in the Holy See. The Holy See is the sovereign government of the Catholic Church and operates from the Vatican City State. The Pope is the ruler of both the Vatican City State and the Holy See. As the highest governmental institution of the Catholic Church, the Holy See is a sovereign judicial entity under international law.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed "joy and pride" over George Jacob Koovacad's being made a cardinal of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. PM Modi congratulated the newly appointed Cardinal and conveyed his best wishes for Cardinal Koovacad's future endeavours. In a post shared on x on Monday, PM Modi wrote, "A matter of great joy and pride for India! His Holiness George Jacob Koovacad was delighted to be made a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Catholic Church by His Holiness Pope Francis. "
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of equal rights and opportunities for all religions has made India the safest country for minorities. It was an honour to lead the official delegation to the Vatican to coordinate with Cardinal George J. Koovakad, which shows Modi ji's love for Kerala and the Christian community. "I am delighted that the Indian delegation led by Minister George Kurien was able to visit the Vatican on this auspicious occasion," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in a post on The Associated Press on Saturday. "
[Agency]