A matter of pride for the country… PM Modi happy on Indian priest being made Cardinal

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated 51-year-old priest George Jacob Koovakad on being made a cardinal by Pope Francis. Prime Minister Modi posted in this regard on his/her social media X handle. In his/her post he/she said, ‘It is a matter of great pride and joy for India.’ he/she further said in his/her post, ‘Delighted to see George Jacob Kouvakd made a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Catholic Church by Pope Francis.’ he/she said, ‘his/her Excellency George Cardinal Couvacaud has dedicated his/her life to the service of humanity as an ardent follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. My best wishes for his/her future endeavours.

Let us tell you that this ceremony organized at the famous St. Peter’s Basilica was attended by clergy and dignitaries from all over the world and 21 new cardinals from different countries were inducted. At the same time, with the appointment of Cardinal Koovakad, who comes from Changanassery Archdiocese of Kerala, the total number of Indian cardinals has increased to six, which will further strengthen the country’s representation in the Vatican. A large number of Christians from Kerala have reached Vatican City to witness the elevation of Koovakad as Cardinal.

Who is Koovakad?

Koovakad, who currently resides in the Vatican, organizes Pope Francis’ international travel itinerary. Born on August 11, 1973 in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, Koovakad became a priest on July 24 and later received training for diplomatic service at the prestigious Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy.

Where did your career start?

In 2006 he/she began his/her diplomatic career at the Apostolic Nunciature to Algeria. he/she has served in Apostolic Nunciature to Algeria, South Korea, Iran, Costa Rica and Venezuela. About 18 percent of Kerala’s population of 32 million are Christians, with Catholics being the dominant group, representing 50 percent of the state’s Christians.