Indian priest elevated as cardinal by Pope Francis; PM Modi hails it 'a matter of great pride'

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the elevation of Indian priest George Jacob Koovakad as a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Catholic Church by Pope Francis. "It is a matter of great joy and pride for India", Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. He said George Cardinal Koovakad has devoted his life to the service of humanity as an ardent follower of Jesus Christ.

" Delighted at His Eminence George Jacob Koovakad being created a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Catholic Church by His Holiness Pope Francis," Modi said in a post on X.

"His Eminence George Cardinal Koovakad has devoted his life in service of humanity as an ardent follower of Lord Jesus Christ. My best wishes for his future endeavours," the prime minister said.



In a grand consistory held in the Vatican on Saturday, 51-year-old priest George Jacob Koovakad from Kerala was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Francis. He made history as the first Indian priest to be directly appointed as a cardinal, with previous Indian cardinals having been bishops or archbishops before reaching this prestigious position.

The ceremony, which took place at St. Peter's Basilica and was attended by clergy and dignitaries from around the world, saw the induction of 21 new cardinals. Koovakad, from the Archdiocese of Changanassery, brings the total number of Indian cardinals to six, further enhancing India's representation in the Vatican.

Koovakad, who has been organizing the Pope's international travels since 2020, shares a close bond with him. Pope Francis video-called Koovakad's 95-year-old grandmother, Sosamma Antony, in September 2023 after her health declined due to Covid. Koovakad, who previously held the title of monsignor, was recently named the titular archbishop of Nisibis in Turkey.