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Time of India
05-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Pope Francis
Pope Francis Pope Francis is the only pontiff to have canonised six saints from India during his 12-year papacy. Fr. Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Sister Euphrasia Eluvathingal from Kerala were canonised on November 23, 2014. The following year on 14 January 2015, Joseph Vaz was canonised. On September 4, 2016, Mother Teresa was canonised at Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City. St. Mariam Thresia Chiramel Mankidiyan was canonised on October 13, 2019 and on May 15, 2022, Devasahayam Pillai or Mar Lazarus Sahada was canonised. Fr. Kuriakose Elias Chavara is the first canonised Catholic male saint of Indian origin and was a member of the Syro-Malabar Church , an Eastern Catholic church. He played a major role in educating and uplifting people especially of the lower ranks of society. He started an institution for Sanskrit studies at Kerala in 1846 and he took the initiative to start schools in nearby villages. He is the patron saint of all CMI (Carmelites of Mary Immaculate) and CMC Institutions that primarily focuses on maritime education. The institutions include: CMC Maritime Academy, Kochi and Chennai; CMC International School, Coimbatore; Coimbatore Marine College, Coimbatore and Mangalore Marine College & Technology, Mangalore. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Nature Meets Science: This Spray Is Turning Heads in Ear Health Stop Tinnitus Now Learn More Undo Mother Rose Euphrasia was born on October 17, 1877 in the family of Eluvathingal Cherpukaran Anthony and Kunjethy in the Kattur village of Edathuruthy parish. She was Mother Superior of the Convent of St Mary at Ollur. She was known as the 'Praying Mother' as she endeavoured to lead a life of constant prayer and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Her Sisters referred to her as a "Mobile Tabernacle", because the divine presence she kept within her radiated to all she encountered. Joseph Vaz, the third of six children was born in 1651 at Benaulim, his mother's village in Goa. His parents, Cristóvão Vaz and Maria de Miranda, were devout Catholics. Cristóvão belonged to a prominent Naik family of Sancoale. Joseph Vaz attended elementary school in Sancoale where he learned Portuguese. He did a course in rhetoric and humanities at the Jesuit college of St. Paul and studies in philosophy and theology at the St. Thomas Aquinas' Academy in Velha Goa or Old Goa. Joseph Vaz arrived in Ceylon at a time when the Dutch took control of the island from the Portuguese. The Dutch banned Catholicism and imposed Calvinism as the official religion. Joseph Vaz travelled throughout the island bringing the Eucharist and the Sacraments to clandestine groups of crypto-Catholics. By the time of his death, Joseph Vaz had managed to rebuild the Catholic Church on the island. The 'Apostle of Ceylon' as he is known was a Portuguese Oratorian priest. Pope Francis cannonised him on January 14, 2015 at an open-air Mass ceremony at Galle in Colombo. The founder of the Missionaries of Charity in 1950 dedicated her life to serving the "poorest of the poor" worldwide. Mother Teresa was canonised on a sunny afternoon at the Vatican. The Missionaries of Charity now operate in over 133 countries. Her admiration for Saint Pope John Paul II and vise versa are legendary. I had the privilege to attend her funeral and pay my respects to her body before it was draped in the tri-colour. Pope Francis cited Mother Teresa as a 'generous dispenser of divine mercy who made herself available for everyone through her welcome and defence of human life, particularly those abandoned and discarded'. The Pope emphasized that for Mother Teresa, mercy was the "salt" and "light" that gave flavour to her work and shone in the darkness of poverty at her canoisation. Mariam Thresia was born in Puthenchira village of Kerala in 1876. The founder of the Congregation of the Holy Family she is known as the 'Patroness of Families'. The Syro-Malabar nun received frequent visions and ecstasies as well as the stigmata which she kept well-guarded. Her feast day is celebrated on June 8. Saint Devasahayam Pillai was an Indian layman and martyr of the Church. He was born into an affluent Hindu family in 1712. He served the royal household in Travancore. Pillai chose the name Lazarus, or Devasahayam in the Malayalam language at his baptism in 1745. He was shot to death in 1752 and his body was transported to St. Xavier Church in Kottar. Later when his remains were interred beneath the altar, the site became a popular pilgrimage destination. Devasahayam Pillai became the first Indian layman not connected to any religious institute to be beatified. His liturgical feast is celebrated on January 14. At the May 15, 2022, canonization Mass, Pope Francis said that the lives of the saints prove that holiness is not an unreachable goal accomplished by a select few but comes from acknowledging and sharing God's love. Pillai, he said, exemplified the Christian call 'to serve the Gospel and our brothers and sisters, to offer our lives without expecting anything in return, or any worldly glory.' Authored By: Prof. Marcellus D'Souza Marcellus D'Souza contributes to 'Old Bombay' and 'The Speaking Tree '. He is Professor of Journalism at the University of Mumbai. Putin's Powerful Tribute To Pope Francis | Calls Him A 'Spiritual Bridge To Russia' In Rare Vatican Message
Time of India
27-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Who is Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, the priest adorning a white cloak at Pope Francis' funeral?
Image credits: X/@GeoPolEnjoyer The 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church , Pope Francis was laid to rest in Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome, Italy on April 26th, 2025. His funeral was attended by thousands of people, from world leaders to priests from across the globe. However, there is one priest who has caught the eye of many during the funeral. In a photo going viral on X, a group of priests all adorned in similar red cloaks with the same designs can be seen standing together. But, between them stands one priest in a white cloak and a unique cross design on the back. People on the social media site have been trying to figure out who he is and why his cloak was different from the others. "That white cloak is an Indian cardinal btw. Our guy has his own colours and cross and everything." wrote an X user informing others. Since then many have commented on the viral post saying that he is none other than Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad , the first priest to be promoted to the position of a cardinal by Pope Francis himself. Who is Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad? Image credits: Getty Images December 2024 marked an important development for the Catholics in India with Archbishop George Jacob Koovakad becoming the first Catholic priest from India to be elevated to the rank of Cardinal by Pope Francis. Koovakad was one of the 21 priests from across the globe who were inducted into the College of Cardinals at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Since January 2025, George Jacob Koovkad has been serving as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and head of Apostolic Journeys at the Secretariat of the State. He was born in Chethipuzha in the Kottayam district of Kerala on August 11, 1973. He was ordained as a priest on July 24, 2004, in Changanacherry after which he graduated in Canon Law and moved on to enter the Holy See Diplomatic Service in 2006. From 2006 to 2009 he served at the apostolic nunciature in Algeria as secretary, in 2009 he was transferred to the apostolic nunciature in Korea and in 2012 to the apostolic nunciature in Iran. He moved on to work in Costa Rica and Venezuela. In 2020, he began working as the Secretariat of State in the section for General Affairs and in 2021 he was charged with the organization of Apostolic Journeys by Pope Francis. Why was Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad wearing a white cloak? Image credits: Getty Images Cardinal Koovakad has played an important role in service at the Syro-Malabar Church . The church located in Kerala is one of the Eastern Catholic Churches and is fully in communion with the Pope and the Vatican. However, it follows the East Syriac liturgical tradition and not the Roman rites. From their language to their vestments and rituals, all vary from the Latin Church. While they are catholic like any other catholic church their expression of Catholicism is more inclined towards the East. This is why while the other priests were all dressed in red cloaks, Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad attended Pope Francis' funeral in a white one.
Shafaq News
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq's Cardinal Sako among potential Popes: Who will succeed Francis?
Shafaq News/ The death of Pope Francis, announced by the Vatican on Monday, has set the Roman Catholic Church on course toward one of its most defining rites: the election of a new pontiff. As Catholics around the globe enter a period of mourning, attention now turns to the College of Cardinals, who will soon gather in Rome to choose his successor. According to the Vatican, the Church currently counts 252 cardinals worldwide. Of these, 135 are under the age of 80 and therefore eligible to vote in the conclave. Pope Francis appointed 108 of these electors during his pontificate, while 22 received their red hats under Pope Benedict XVI and five under Pope John Paul II. Cardinals are expected to begin arriving at the Vatican in the coming days. Once assembled, they will meet to determine the date for the start of the conclave—a highly secretive process rooted in centuries of tradition. Taking place within the Sistine Chapel, the conclave bars all outsiders and continues until one cardinal secures a two-thirds majority. The world will learn of the election through the appearance of white smoke from the chapel's chimney. While the Church never releases an official list of candidates, speculation has already turned toward several prominent figures. Known as papabile (potential popes), these individuals are seen as possessing the theological depth, leadership experience, and international standing required of a future pope. One name drawing growing attention is Cardinal Louis Raphaël I Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq. Middle East expert Saad Salloum notes that Sako's name has entered discussions, underscoring his global stature and the rising visibility of Eastern Catholic leaders within the broader Church hierarchy. Who Is Cardinal Sako? Cardinal Louis Raphaël Sako, Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans, serves as a senior figure in Eastern Christianity and a leading voice for Iraq's Christian community. Born on July 4, 1948, in the northern Iraqi town of Zakho, Sako has guided his community through decades of political instability and conflict. He began his religious education in Mosul before completing advanced studies abroad. Sako holds a doctorate in Eastern Patrology from the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome and a doctorate in History from the Sorbonne in Paris. His academic background complements a long pastoral career, which included his service as Archbishop of Kirkuk before Chaldean bishops elected him patriarch in 2013—a decision confirmed by Pope Benedict XVI. His tenure has coincided with some of the most challenging periods for Christians in Iraq, including the 2003 US-led invasion, the rise of ISIS, and mass displacement from historic Christian heartlands. Sako has remained a vocal defender of religious minorities, consistently speaking out against sectarianism and government actions that threaten the rights of Christians and other vulnerable groups. In 2021, he played a key role in facilitating Pope Francis' historic visit to Iraq, a landmark moment for interfaith dialogue and a message of solidarity with the country's Christian population. In 2023, Sako relocated from Baghdad to Erbil in the Kurdistan Region following the revocation of a presidential decree that had recognized his role as patriarch—an act he publicly challenged, emphasizing the need to protect the Church's autonomy. A proponent of reform, Sako has advocated for the use of vernacular Arabic in Chaldean liturgy to make worship more accessible, while remaining committed to traditional Church teachings. In 2024, he reaffirmed the Chaldean Church's opposition to blessings of same-sex unions. That same year, he presided over the ordination of a married priest in France, in keeping with the Eastern Catholic tradition of allowing married clergy. Fluent in Arabic, Chaldean, French, English, German, and Italian, Sako has contributed to numerous theological publications and serves on several Vatican bodies, including the Dicasteries for the Eastern Churches, Interreligious Dialogue, Culture and Education, and the Council for the Economy. Pope Francis elevated him to cardinal in 2018. A well-known adage within Vatican circles cautions, "He who enters a conclave as pope, leaves as a cardinal." This saying underscores the unpredictable and confidential nature of the papal election process, which is not influenced by popularity or campaigning but is instead a solemn and complex deliberation. Currently, the College of Cardinals is considering 22 individuals as serious contenders for the papacy. Among the most frequently mentioned is Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines. Often referred to as the "Asian Francis," Tagle is known for his pastoral approach and has openly criticized the Church's historical treatment of marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's secretary of state, is seen as a steady, diplomatic choice. Meanwhile, Cardinal Peter Erdö of Hungary represents the conservative wing, often opposing issues like marriage equality. Other contenders include Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, who has disagreed with Pope Francis on issues like same-sex blessings, and Cardinal Peter Turkson, a Ghanaian known for addressing taboo topics. Cardinal Raymond Burke, a vocal critic of Pope Francis' more progressive stances, also remains a strong possibility. Meanwhile, Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, Archbishop of Marseille, has gained attention for his alignment with Pope Francis on matters such as immigration and interfaith cooperation, particularly with the Muslim world.
The Hindu
21-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
No Syro-Malabar representation in upcoming papal election as Cardinal Alencherry turns 80
Even as the prospects of next papal election are on the horizon in Rome, the Syro-Malabar Church — one of the most prominent Eastern Catholic churches under the Holy See — finds itself without a voting representative. Cardinal Mar George Alencherry, the former head of the Syro-Malabar Church, turned 80 on April 19, thereby losing his eligibility to vote in the conclave. According to Church protocol, only cardinals under the age of 80 are permitted to vote in the papal conclave, which decides the next pope. This leaves the Syro-Malabar Church, despite its sizeable community of 5.5 million members, without a voice in the selection process. Fr. Antony Vadakkekara, Secretary of the Media Commission of the Syro-Malabar Church, noted that Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis of the Syro-Malankara rite of the Catholic Church and Cardinal Mar George Koovakkad will participate in the upcoming conclave. 'Although we cannot officially consider Mar Koovakkad as a representative of the Syro-Malabar Church, we still regard cardinals from Kerala as part of our broader spiritual family,' Fr. Vadakkekara said. Eligible to vote He also clarified that there are currently four cardinals from India eligible to vote in the conclave: Archbishop Antony Poola of the Hyderabad Archdiocese, Metropolitan Archbishop Filipe Neri of Goa, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis of the Malankara Church, and Cardinal Koovakkad. However, Mar Koovakkad, though originally from the Syro-Malabar Church under the Changanacherry Archdiocese, now serves as a cardinal of the Latin Church and will not represent the Syro-Malabar Church in the election. During the 2013 papal election that saw Pope Francis elected, both Mar George Alencherry of the Syro-Malabar Church and Mar Baselios Cleemis from the Malankara Church had voting rights. 'In that conclave, Mar Alencherry was the face of the Syro-Malabar Church in Rome. Had his 80th birthday fallen a few days later, he might have been able to cast his vote in the upcoming election as well,' a Church source observed. The Syro-Malabar Church, based in Kerala, remains one of the most influential Eastern Catholic communities under the Holy See. However, the absence of a voting representative in the next conclave underscores the challenges Eastern Churches face in securing proportional representation within the global Catholic hierarchy.
