Latest news with #GeorgeJacobKoovakad
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.
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.
