Latest news with #AnthonyPoola
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Who is Anthony Poola? All about the Indian Cardinal who'll vote to choose the next Pope
From 'untouchable' to a voting Cardinal, Anthony Poola is on his way to writing history. The Indian prelate of the Catholic Church is one of four Cardinals who will vote to elect the next Pope. Cardinal Poola, the archbishop of Hyderabad, mourned the demise of Pope Francis , praising his 'historic papacy' for its compassion, humility, and tireless dedication to the Gospel. He reportedly will travel to the Vatican to attend the Pope's funeral. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 35 & Earning? Protect Your Family with ₹1 Cr Life Cover ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo After the death of Pope Francis, the next head of the Catholic Church will be chosen by four Cardinals. Poola is the first Indian Dalit Cardinal , one of the four cardinals, to have this privilege. When the next Pope is chosen, history will be made—not just in the Vatican, but also in a remote village in Andhra Pradesh in India. Here's all you need to know about Anthony Poola. Who is Anthony Poola? Anthony Poola is an Indian prelate of the Catholic Church who has been the Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad since 2021. He was Bishop of Kurnool from 2008 to 2020. Before becoming a bishop, he worked as a priest of the Diocese of Cuddapah. On 27 August 2022, Pope Francis elevated Poola to Cardinal at a consistory held in the Vatican. With that, Poola became the first Dalit and the first Telugu to be named a cardinal. The 63-year-old Cardinal is the only Dalit among the 138 cardinals under the age of 80 who are eligible to vote for the next head of the Catholic Church. From 'untouchable' to a Cardinal: In 1961, Poola was born at Polur in the Diocese of Kurnool, Hyderabad, to Poola Chinna Anthony and Arogyamma, a family belonging to the Dalit class, which constitutes about two-thirds of India's Catholic population. Despite the Indian Constitution abolishing caste-based discrimination over 70 years ago, members of the Dalit community continue to face challenges such as oppression and limited opportunities, often relegated to menial labor. In fact, in a 2022 interview with Vatican News, Poola recalled incidents from when he was young, where, due to his caste, he was not offered water in a cup by the people who belonged to a higher caste in the social hierarchy. Instead, he narrated, they poured the water into his hands. "We accepted that social stigma," he said. Early life and education: Poola's educational journey began with elementary schooling, but due to financial constraints, his father was unable to support him beyond the eighth grade. At one point, he had to remain at home from school. However, during a summer camp, Dutch missionaries identified his potential and offered to finance his further education. This led him to walk several miles to high school, often without shoes. Poola told in an interview, 'When I reached class 9, the missionary priest Fr. Bon joined me to a seminary. So I could complete classes 9 and 10 from Kurnool Seminary.' He added, 'After that, I wanted to become a priest as well as acquire academic education. So, I joined to do B. Com in STBC College, Andhra Pradesh.' Although adversity was his companion at every step of the way, Poola opted for a college education as well and studied finance. However, Poola told 'Those three years were not easy for me. It was a big challenge to find the money for food and room rent, so I went to college, quitting breakfast for three years.' It was during this time that he expressed a desire to enter the seminary. As per Poola, 'After completing my graduation, my spiritual father, Fr. Albert Vegas encouraged me to make a decision in my life.' He added, 'What I am now is only with the help of many missionaries who helped me when I did not have enough money for my studies and formation. Therefore, I wanted to become a priest like them to serve the poor.' Poola became a diocesan seminary student at Cuddapah (Kadappa) Minor Seminary. Path to priesthood: After his studies, Poola was ordained a priest on 20 February 1992. Before his elevation to cardinal, Poola was actively involved in various social service organizations, most notably the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging. Through this organization, he focused on bringing joy and support to children and the elderly, particularly those in impoverished conditions. His commitment to assisting underprivileged children drives his efforts to secure educational sponsorships for them. Poola was a parish vicar of St. Mary's Cathedral from 1992 to 1993; a parish vicar in Amagampalli from 1993 to 1994; a pastor in Tekurpet from 1994 to 1995; a pastor in Badvel from 1995 to 2000; and a pastor in Veerapalli from 2000 to 2001. He studied for a master's degree in health pastoral care and took courses in theology at Loyola University Chicago, and also worked at St. Genevieve Church in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Returning to his home diocese of Cuddapah, Poola was the director of the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging from 2004 to 2008. He was also a Diocesan Consultor, Secretary for Education, Deputy Administrator of the Schools of the Diocese, and Coordinator of the Sponsorship Program. In February 2008, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Bishop of Kurnool. In November 2020, he was appointed the Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad by the late Pope Francis. He was installed there on 3 January 2021. On 27 August 2022, Pope Francis made him a cardinal priest, assigning him the title of Santi Protomartiri a Via Aurelia Antica. 'It was something I never dreamed of. I accept God's will with humility' – this was the first response of Poola as he became the first Dalit Cardinal. Who Is Tharman Shanmugaratnam? All about Singapore's new Indian-origin president
India.com
22-04-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Pope Francis death: THESE 4 Indian will vote for the new Pope, they are from..., names are...
Pope Francis death: THESE 4 Indian will vote for the new Pope, they are from..., names are... Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church, known for his humility, compassion for the poor, and kind-hearted nature, passed away on Monday at the age of 88. He left a lasting mark on the world as a gentle and deeply caring Pope. Following his death, a week-long mourning process has begun in Vatican City, where people will be able to pay their final respects. The farewell will start with Vatican officials gathering at the Saint Martha Chapel, followed by public homage at St. Peter's Basilica. Meanwhile, preparations to elect the next Pope are also underway. Pope Francis had been battling health issues for a long time. He had a lung condition, and part of one of his lungs had been removed during surgery in his youth. On February 14, 2025, he was admitted to Gemelli Hospital due to breathing difficulties. His condition worsened into double pneumonia, and he remained hospitalized for 38 days — the longest hospital stay of his 12-year papacy. Despite his illness, just a day before his passing, on Easter Sunday, he appeared at St. Peter's Square to bless the crowd. How is a new Pope elected? When a Pope passes away—or in rare cases, like that of Pope Benedict XVI, resigns—the Vatican begins the process of electing a new spiritual leader through what is known as a Papal Conclave. This conclave brings together the College of Cardinals, who are responsible for selecting the next head of the Catholic Church. As of January 22, 2025, out of 252 total cardinals, only 138 are eligible to vote. According to the rules, only cardinals under the age of 80 can participate in this election, which is held in strict secrecy inside the Sistine Chapel. Around 120 voting cardinals write the name of their chosen candidate on a ballot and place it into a special chalice. If no candidate receives the required two-thirds majority, the voting process continues with up to four rounds per day until a new Pope is chosen. Which Indian cardinals will vote in the Papal Election? According to a News18 report, India currently has six cardinals. Out of these, only four are under the age limit and thus eligible to vote. These include: Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao Cardinal Cleemis Baselios Cardinal Anthony Poola Cardinal George Alencherry Cardinals Oswald Gracias and George Jacob Koorilose, being 80 or older, are not eligible to participate in the voting process. Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, 51, serves as the Cardinal-Deacon of S. Antonio di Padova a Circonvallazione Appia and also leads the Vatican's office for Interreligious Dialogue. Cardinal Filipe Neri Antonio Sebastião do Rosário Ferrão, 72, is the Archbishop of Goa and Daman in India. He also heads the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India and the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences. Cardinal Anthony Poola, 63, is the Archbishop of Hyderabad. Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal is the Major Archbishop of Trivandrum for the Syro-Malankara Church in India and leads its Synod.
NDTV
22-04-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
These 4 Indian Cardinals Will Be In Conclave That Picks Next Pope
Vatican City: Following the death of the Pope, the Vatican will enter a nine-day mourning period known as the Novendiale, an ancient Roman tradition that continues to this day. During this time, preparations will begin for the election of the next Pontiff. After the mourning period, the Cardinals will be called into Conclave to elect the next Vicar of Christ. Among the 135 cardinals currently eligible to vote in the Papal conclave, four are from India. These include Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, Cardinal Anthony Poola, and Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad. Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, 51, is the Cardinal-Deacon of S Antonio di Padova a Circonvallazione Appia and Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. Cardinal Filipe Neri Antonio Sebastiao do Rosario Ferrao, 72, is the Metropolitan Archbishop of Goa and Daman (India), President of Conference of Catholic Bishops of India and President of Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences. Cardinal Anthony Poola (63) is the Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad. Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal is the Major Archbishop of Trivandrum of the Syro-Malankara (India) and President of the Synod of the Syro-Malankara Church. As of April 19, there are 252 cardinals, out of whom 135 are eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a new pope. The colour of the smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney serves as a traditional signal during the papal conclave. Black smoke means the cardinals have not yet selected a new Pope, while white smoke indicates that a new Pope has been elected. Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, according to a statement from the Vatican. At 9:45 AM on Easter Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, spoke these words at the Casa Santa Marta: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God." Born in Buenos Aires, as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969. Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on February 28, 2013, a papal conclave elected Cardinal Bergoglio as his successor on March 13. He chose Francis as his papal name in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
With Pope Francis gone, who are the four Indian Cardinals to vote for his successor?
NEW DELHI: Following Pope Francis's passing, the Vatican will observe a nine-day mourning period known as the Novendiale , an ancient Roman tradition that remains in practice today. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now During this solemn time, preparations will quietly begin for the election of the next Pontiff. Once the mourning concludes, the College of Cardinals will convene in a Conclave to elect the new Vicar of Christ. Of the 135 cardinals currently eligible to vote in the Papal Conclave , four hail from India: Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, Cardinal Anthony Poola, and Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad. The Pope died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday at his residence in Casa Santa Marta within the Vatican. Who are the four Indians? Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad: The 51-year-old currently serves as the Cardinal-Deacon of S Antonio di Padova a Circonvallazione Appia. He also holds the position of Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. His role places him at the forefront of the Vatican's efforts to promote understanding between different faiths. Cardinal Filipe Neri Antonio Sebastiao do Rosario Ferrao: The 72-year-old is the Metropolitan Archbishop of Goa and Daman in India. He currently serves as the President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India. In addition, he leads the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences as its President. Cardinal Anthony Poola: The 63-year-old is the Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad. Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal: He is Major Archbishop of Trivandrum of the Syro-Malankara. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He also serves as the president of the Synod of the Syro-Malankara Church. As of April 19, the College of Cardinals consists of 252 members, with 135 eligible to vote in a conclave to elect the next Pope. During this sacred gathering in the Sistine Chapel, the world looks to the chimney for a centuries-old signal: black smoke signifies that no decision has been reached, while white smoke announces the successful election of a new Pontiff.
