Cardinal Anthony Poola elected Catholic bishops’ body prez

Hyderabad: Archbishop of Hyderabad cardinal Anthony Poola was on Saturday elected president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), the body of bishops governing Catholics in India, during its general body meeting in Bengaluru. He became the first person from the Telugu states to be elected to the top post. Poola served as the bishop of Kurnool from 2008 until his elevation as the archbishop of Hyderabad in 2021. In 2022, he was elevated as a cardinal, becoming the first Dalit and the first Telugu to be named a cardinal.Poola succeeded archbishop Andrews Thazhath and took charge as the head of the apex body of Catholic bishops in India. As archbishop of Hyderabad, he was widely recognised for his pastoral leadership and commitment to the mission of the church.In his new role, Poola would lead CBCI in coordinating the pastoral, social, and evangelising initiatives of the church in India. His tenure comes at a time when the church continues its engagement in education, healthcare, social service, and nation-building, according to a release from Poola's office.The Catholic community in India welcomed the election and expressed confidence in Poola's leadership, extending prayers for God's guidance and blessings as he assumes this responsibility.Vicar general Y Balashowry along with the clergy, religious, and the faithful of the archdiocese of Hyderabad, expressed joy and happiness on this auspicious occasion and extended heartfelt congratulations to Poola.Telugu Catholic Bishops' Conference (TCBC), of which Poola is the president, also welcomed the election and expressed happiness and support as he assumes this responsibility at the national level.