PMO lauds Archbishop Koovakad’s elevation as cardinal: ‘Immense pride for India’ | India News – Times of India

The elevation of Archbishop George Koovakad as a cardinal by Pope Francis has been hailed as a “matter of immense pride for India,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced on Saturday. The historic event took place in the Vatican City during a grand ceremony.
“It is a matter of immense pride for India that Archbishop George Koovakad will be created as a Cardinal by His Holiness Pope Francis,” the PMO said in a statement on X. To honour the occasion, the Government of India dispatched a delegation led by Union Minister George Kurian to attend the ceremony.

The Indian delegation also met with Pope Francis before the ceremony.
Archbishop Koovakad, aged 51 and hailing from Kerala, is among 21 clergymen from across the globe elevated to the rank of cardinal during the ceremony held at St Peter’s Basilica. The event, which began with a solemn procession, saw Pope Francis address the congregation and present the cardinals with the ceremonial cap, ring, and certificate.
Koovakad’s appointment is a landmark for India, bringing the total number of Indian cardinals to six. His contributions to the Church include organising Pope Francis’ international travels since 2020, a role that underscored his dedication and expertise.
Leaders across India celebrated the news. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the elevation as a “proud moment for the nation.” Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan extended greetings, calling it a recognition of the Christian community in Kerala and the Syro-Malabar Church.
Cardinal George Alencherry of the Syro-Malabar Church and Cardinal Baselios Cleemis praised Koovakad’s achievements, noting the honour it brought to India and the Church. Parishioners in Changanassery, Koovakad’s hometown, held special prayers and thanksgiving services to commemorate the occasion.
Born in Thiruvananthapuram in 1973, Koovakad was ordained in 2004 and later trained for diplomatic service at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy. His diplomatic career began in 2006, serving in various roles across countries such as Algeria, South Korea, Iran, Costa Rica, and Venezuela.
Following the ceremony, Koovakad and the new cardinals will meet Pope Francis at the Vatican Palace for his blessings and participate in a Holy Mass on Sunday.