PM Modi Congratulates George Koovakad, First Indian Elevated to Cardinal

New Delhi, Dec 8 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday offered his heartfelt congratulations to priest George Jacob Koovakad after his elevation to the esteemed rank of Cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church by Pope Francis.

The 51-year-old priest hailing from Kerala was honored with the rank of Cardinal during a magnificent ceremony at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City on Saturday. This significant event was attended by clergy and dignitaries from around the world, marking the induction of 21 new Cardinals.

Taking to X, PM Modi expressed, "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."

He further stated, "His Eminence George Cardinal Koovakad has devoted his life to the service of humanity as a devoted follower of Lord Jesus Christ. My best wishes for his future endeavors."

Koovakad has made history as the first priest from India to be directly elevated to the rank of Cardinal. Previously, all other Cardinals from India had served as bishops or archbishops before receiving this honor.

Koovakad is associated with the Syro-Malabar Catholic Archdiocese of Changanacherry, and with his elevation, he becomes the sixth individual from India to hold this position.

The other five Cardinals were bishops prior to their elevation to this prestigious role in the Catholic Church.

On Saturday, prior to an audience with the Pope, the beaming Koovakad shared with the media, "My parents and my close relatives have come for the function and we are going for the event where the Pope will receive all the guests. This is God's will, which I never expected. This elevation is a selection done by God. I owe this to all who made it possible. When I was sent here (in 2006), I was told by my respected seniors that if it's to learn the Bible, that can be accomplished in Kerala itself, but since you are being sent to the Vatican, it's for a deeper understanding."

Currently, there are 232 active Cardinals worldwide, and this number will rise to 253 after Koovakad and 20 others are elevated.

This assembly of Cardinals will convene to elect the next Pope when the need arises.

Koovakad, who is presently based in the Vatican, is responsible for organizing the international travel schedule of Pope Francis. He joined the Vatican Diplomatic Service in 2006 after completing his training at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy.

Born on August 11, 1973, in Thiruvananthapuram, Koovakad was ordained a priest on July 24, 2004, and later pursued diplomatic training at the renowned Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy.

In 2006, he began his diplomatic career at the Apostolic Nunciature in Algeria.

He has served in Apostolic Nunciatures in Algeria, South Korea, Iran, Costa Rica, and Venezuela.