George Jacob Koovakad: Indian Priest Named Cardinal by Pope Francis

On Saturday, Pope Francis elevated Indian Catholic priest George Jacob Koovakad to the rank of Cardinal during a ceremony at the Vatican. During a ceremony at St. Peter's Basilica, attended by the highest-ranking Catholic clergy, Koovakad was named one of 21 new Cardinals, joining 20 other priests from various countries.

Subsequently, the Pope delivered a speech and presented each cardinal-designate with a ceremonial cap and ring, along with a certificate and prayers. Koovakad's appointment brings the total number of Indian cardinals to six, further strengthening the country's representation at the Vatican. 

PM Narendra Modi also expressed that the elevation of Indian priest George Jacob Koovakad to the position of Cardinal in the Holy Roman Catholic Church by Pope Francis is a moment of immense joy and pride for India.

He commended Koovakad for devoting his life to serving humanity as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.

"India takes great joy and pride in this moment! I am delighted to see His Eminence George Jacob Koovakad being appointed as a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Catholic Church by His Holiness Pope Francis," PM Modi expressed in a post on X.

Who is George Jacob Koovakad?

George Jacob Koovakad is a prominent Indian priest from the Syro-Malabar Church, hailing from Kerala. Born on August 11, 1973, in Thiruvananthapuram, he was ordained as a priest in 2004.

Koovakad joined the Vatican's diplomatic service in 2006 and has served in various countries including Algeria, South Korea, Iran, Costa Rica, and Venezuela.

He has been instrumental in organizing Pope Francis' international travels within the Vatican's Secretariat of State since 2020.

In October 2024, Koovakad was appointed as one of the 21 new cardinals by Pope Francis, making him the first priest responsible for coordinating papal trips to receive such an honor. He has been responsible for meticulous planning of the Pope's overseas trips, highlighting his significant influence on the Church's worldwide mission.