Latest news with #Syro-Malankara
Gulf News
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Gulf News
Who are the four Indian cardinals electing the new pope?
The Catholic Church has entered a period of sede vacante — the interregnum between papacies, following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. A conclave will soon convene in the Sistine Chapel, where 135 cardinal electors under the age of 80 will gather to choose the next leader of the 1.3 billion-strong global Catholic community. It should begin no less than 15 and no more than 20 days after the death of the pope. The cardinals will meet in the Sistine Chapel, a Renaissance jewel adorned with Michelangelo's celebrated frescoes, and hold four ballots a day, two in the morning and two in the afternoon, until one candidate wins two-thirds of the votes. At the end of each session, the ballots are burned in a stove by the chapel, releasing smoke above the Apostolic Palace as the world watches. If black smoke billows from a chimney overlooking St Peter's Square, the vote has been unsuccessful. White smoke signals a new pope has been elected. Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao (Age 72) Serving as the Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Cardinal Ferrao also holds the titles of Patriarch of the East Indies and President of both the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India and the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences. He is renowned for his commitment to family ministry, interfaith dialogue, and social justice, with a particular focus on supporting migrants and environmental protection. Cardinal Baselios Cleemis (Age 64) Born Isaac Thottumkal, Cardinal Cleemis is the Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. As President of the Synod of his Church, he has been instrumental in preserving the unique traditions and teachings of the Syro-Malankara community. Elevated to the College of Cardinals in 2012, his leadership has been pivotal in maintaining the spiritual journey of his Church. Cardinal Anthony Poola (Age 63) Appointed as the Archbishop of Hyderabad, Cardinal Poola made history as the first Dalit cardinal from India. His elevation is seen as a significant step towards inclusivity and equality within the Church, symbolising hope and progress for communities facing caste-based discrimination. Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad (Age 51) One of the youngest cardinal electors, Cardinal Koovakad hails from Changanassery, Kerala. He currently serves as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and holds the title of Cardinal-Deacon of S. Antonio di Padova a Circonvallazione Appia in Rome. His extensive diplomatic career includes service in Algeria, South Korea, Iran, Costa Rica, and Venezuela. Since 2020, he has been part of the Secretariat of State of the Holy See, organizing several papal trips, including visits to Canada, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan.
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Pope Francis: A bridge-builder vexed by fissures
Pope Francis often surprised the world by breaking Vatican traditions. He elevated several men from remote corners of the world to the rank of cardinal—the highest position in the Catholic Church after the Pope. During his 12-year tenure, he reshaped the pastoral direction of Kerala's three self-governing Churches—Latin, Syro-Malabar, and Syro-Malankara—through key appointments of archbishops and bishops, along with timely guidance to clergy and believers. In 2016, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Joseph Kalathiparambil—then secretary of the Vatican's pontifical council for the pastoral care of migrants and itinerant people—as archbishop of Verapoly. In Kerala's Latin Church hierarchy, Pope Francis picked all three archbishops, including those of Trivandrum and the newly-formed Calicut archdiocese, as well as most of the bishops. He also appointed many archbishops and bishops in Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara Churches. Pope Francis had to step in during a tense period in Syro-Malabar Church , the second-largest of the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches. When the synod of bishops faced protests from some clergy and laity over financial allegations and property issues at Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese—the seat of the major archbishop—the matter reached the Holy See. Eventually, the Vatican removed Cardinal Mar George Alencherry from his role as major archbishop. In Aug 2021, Syro-Malabar Church's synod ordered a uniform Holy Mass across its 35 eparchies. But clergy and laity in Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese resisted, insisting on continuing the people-facing Mass, a practice adopted after the Second Vatican Council. Even a video appeal from the Pope failed to change their stand. Protests turned violent at St. Mary's Basilica in Ernakulam. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like She Was Beautiful, Now Its Hard To Look At Her Crowdy Fan Undo Pope Francis worked hard to strengthen ecumenical ties with various Orthodox Christian Churches. He led key meetings with Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem-II of Antioch, head of Syrian Orthodox Church, who recently consecrated a Catholicos for Malankara Jacobite Church in Lebanon. He also invited the Catholicos of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, based in Kottayam. In Nov 2024, a delegation of eight bishops from the synod of Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church met him at the Vatican. Pope Francis, the first pope to visit the Arabian Peninsula, played a key role in building bridges between the Christian and Islamic worlds. He signed the Declaration of Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi. His strong stand against the 'madness of war' and the destruction in Gaza won widespread support, especially from Kerala's peace-loving Muslim community. In Dec 2024, he hosted Sivagiri Mutt's centenary commemoration of Sree Narayana Guru's historic all-religion conference at the Vatican, praising Kerala's tradition of religious harmony. (Chief editor, Jeevanaadam)
Indian Express
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
The 4 Indian Cardinals who will vote at Vatican to elect the new pope
With the passing of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church enters a period of mourning and transition. A total of 135 cardinals under the age of 80 will gather in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City to elect the next leader of the Church. Among them are four Indian cardinals a reflection of the growing role India plays in the global Catholic community. Let's take a closer look at the four Indian church leaders who will cast their vote in the papal conclave. Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao (Age 72) The Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Cardinal Ferrao is also President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India and the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences. Known as the seventh Patriarch of the East Indies, he is passionate about family ministry, interfaith dialogue, and social justice. 'He has long worked to support migrants and protect the environment,' Church officials note. Cardinal Baselios Cleemis (Age 64) Born Isaac Thottumkal, Cardinal Cleemis is the Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, based in Trivandrum. As President of the Synod of his Church, he has led its spiritual journey for many years. He became a bishop in 2001 and joined the College of Cardinals in 2012. 'His leadership has been vital in maintaining the unique traditions and teachings of the Syro-Malankara community,' fellow clergy have said. Cardinal Anthony Poola (Age 63) The Archbishop of Hyderabad, Cardinal Poola made history by becoming the first Dalit cardinal from India. His appointment was seen as a powerful step towards equality in the Church. 'His rise symbolises hope and progress for those facing caste-based discrimination,' said a Vatican spokesperson. Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad (Age 51) One of the youngest among the electors, Cardinal Koovakad heads the Vatican's Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. He is deeply involved in building understanding among different religions worldwide. As Cardinal-Deacon of S. Antonio di Padova a Circonvallazione Appia in Rome, he is known for his bridge-building efforts and fresh perspective. 'He represents a new generation of Church leadership,' say observers. What's Next? As the conclave begins, the world's attention turns to the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. Black smoke signals that no pope has been chosen, while white smoke means a new pope has been elected and accepted the role — a moment Catholics across the globe await with great anticipation. Who Are Cardinals? Cardinals are senior leaders in the Catholic Church who advise the pope and help guide the Church's global mission. Many lead important dioceses or head departments within the Vatican. Most importantly, they are responsible for choosing the next pope when the Holy See becomes vacant.
