Latest news with #Syro-MalankaraCatholicChurch
Mint
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Pope Francis passes away: Who are the four Indian cardinals eligible to participate in Papal conclave
Pope Francis's relationship with India reflected both aspirations and obstacles. Despite his strong desire, he was never able to visit the country. Nonetheless, he made a significant gesture toward the Indian Catholic community by recently appointing an Indian priest serving in the Vatican as a Cardinal — a moment of pride for many. Francis, the first non-European Pope in almost 1,300 years, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. He had been diagnosed with double pneumonia prior to his death. Among the six Indian cardinals eligible to vote in the upcoming conclave, four prominent figures stand out. They include Filipe Neri Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and Daman; Baselios Cleemis, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in Kerala; George Koovakkad, the former head of the Journeys Office at the Vatican's Secretariat of State; and Anthony Poola, Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad and the first Dalit Christian to be appointed as an archbishop. Pope Francis, the first non-European Pope in almost 1,300 years, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. 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. The Pope passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, according to a statement from the Vatican. 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. (With inputs from agencies) Key Takeaways Pope Francis's death marks a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church globally. Four Indian cardinals are poised to influence the selection of the next Pope. The Vatican will observe a nine-day mourning period before the conclave begins.
Hindustan Times
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
4 Indian cardinals eligible to vote for new pope
The death of Pope Francis has set in motion a long process in which cardinals from around the world, including India, will gather in Vatican City for his funeral and subsequently hold the closed-door papal conclave within the Sistine Chapel to elect the new leader of the Catholic Church. Four of the six cardinals of the Catholic church in India are eligible to vote in the conclave. They are: Filipe Neri Ferrao, the Archbishop of Goa and Damman; Baselios Cleemis, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in Kerala; George Koovakkad, former head of the Journeys Office of the Secretariat of State of the Holy See, and Anthony Poola, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad and the first archbishop from the Dalit Christian community. The two other Indian cardinals, Oswald Gracias, the former Archbishop of Bombay and Cardinal George Alencherry, Major Archbishop Emeritus of the Syro-Malabar Church, cannot vote in the papal conclave as they have crossed the age limit of 80 years. Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, in 1936, the first pontiff from Latin America, died on Monday morning in Vatican City at the age of 88 following a bout of chronic lung disease that left him hospitalised for 38 days and extremely physically weak. Yet, on Easter Sunday, the Pope braving his illness, made a public appearance from the same gallery where he was introduced in March 2013 as the leader of the Catholic Church , which has around 1.3 billion followers worldwide. Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, one of the eligible electors, said Francis would be remembered as a Pope of the people. 'My assessment was always that he would die with the people. And that's exactly what happened. Yesterday, on Easter, he met thousands of people at St Peter's Square. 'And this morning, he has gone home, ' the cardinal told reporters on Monday. Cardinal Ferrao said the deceased Pope had a special love for India and 'longed' to visit the country. He recalled that the Pope canonised five saints from India during his tenure. They are: St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara and St. Euphrasia Eluvathingal on 23rd November 2014; St. Joseph Vaz on 14th January 2015; St. Mariam Thresia Chiramel on 13th October 2019 and St. Devasahayam Pillai on 15th May 2022. Cardinal Alencherry, who had participated in the 2013 conclave to elect Pope Francis, told reporters on Monday evening that he would be leaving for the Vatican shortly to take part in the funeral. 'Pope Francis was one who used not only his brain but also his heart to communicate with the people. He used the papal position as a mode of service for the cause of the poor, marginalised, orphans and refugees.
New Indian Express
22-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Heads of churches in Kerala mourn Pope Francis
KOCHI: Heads of various churches in Kerala, including Cardinal Baselios Cleemis who will participate in the Papal Conclave to elect the next pope, condoled the demise of , who passed away on Monday at 88 years of age. The heads recalled the pope's affection for India and their personal experiences with him. Cardinal George Alencherry, Major Archbishop Emeritus, Syro-Malabar Church Pope Francis had showcased before the world a new form of Papal service, one that was steeped in humility and austerity. He was a good man, a good Christian and a good leader. He lent a helping hand to the poor, needy and those seeking asylum. I had the opportunity to witness his immense grace in coming to the aid of the people of Myanmar who came seeking asylum to Bangladesh. Pope Francis steadfastly trod the path of love and compassion just like our Lord Jesus Christ. Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, Major Archbishop, Syro-Malankara Catholic Church As the leader of the Church and entire humanity, he stood firm in re-reading gospel, trying to find our Jesus and his approach towards human beings, focusing on those marginalised. I recall that after his meeting with the Prime Minister of India, Pope Francis told me that your country is a great nation. He had such an affection for India. Raphael Thattil, Major Archbishop, Syro-Malabar Catholic Church The unexpected passing of Pope Francis, a true icon of compassion and humility, has deeply saddened the Catholic Church and the global community. As the first Pope from outside Europe in over 1,300 years, his simple lifestyle and deep concern for the poor touched hearts worldwide. He inspired many with his constant smile and message of hope. Pope Francis showed special care for the Syro-Malabar Church and worked for its unity. We pray the Lord welcomes him into eternal peace among the saints. Joseph Kalathiparambil, Archbishop, Verapoly Archdiocese Simplicity defined Pope Francis. I vividly remember March 13, 2013, when I stood among the crowd in Vatican Square as Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Buenos Aires was introduced as the new Pope. I had the honour of working with him in Rome for nearly three years. On April 6, 2013, I concelebrated Mass with him. He chose a simple chasuble and blessed my elderly mother on my request. After Mass, I saw him quietly praying alone on a backbench - no reserved seat, no privilege. That was him - a true shepherd, humble and holy. Joseph Mar Barnabas, Suffragan Metropolitan, Mar Thoma Syrian Church Following an invitation from Pope Francis, Mar Thoma Synod members visited the Vatican for a dialogue last November. He was a deeply empathetic and approachable shepherd who had knowledge about Eastern Churches besides being the Supreme Pontiff. When he learnt that I am from Kerala and staying near Cleemis Bava's (Baselios Cleemis) residence, I felt he got closer to me. Also, he had an inquisitiveness about us and had several lengthy personal interactions, in which I wondered how he would manage the timings as the leader of a large Church. Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, Catholicos of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church I remember my encounter with the Pope in 2023 during a visit to the Vatican. Pope Francis addressed me as 'a beloved one' and 'a brother long awaited'. In our conversation, he spoke about the journey of ecclesial unity, while also recalling the historic meetings between Baselios Augen I and Pope Paul VI and between Mar Thoma Mathews I and Pope John Paul II. His words still remain with me. Catholicos Aboon Mor Baselios Joseph I of Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church By standing with the oppressed and the marginalised, Pope Francis found a place in the hearts of humanity. Serving as Pope for 12 years, he opened a new style of ministry that touched the world with genuine love. His papacy reflected the prophetic mission of humanity and compassion, standing with war victims, the homeless, refugees and the poor. Pope Francis showed great affection and care for the Syriac Orthodox Church. His hospitality and warmth during the joint visit in 2015 with Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II remains an unforgettable memory.
New Indian Express
22-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Four Indians with voting right to elect next pope
KOCHI: Four Indian cardinals, including two Keralites, are part of the 120-strong College of Cardinals who will attend a secret conclave to choose the next pope. The Indian cardinals eligible to vote in the conclave are Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, 72, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman and Patriarch of the East Indies; Thiruvananthapuram-based Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, 64, the Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church; Cardinal Anthony Poola, 63, Archbishop of Hyderabad and the first Dalit cardinal in history; and Changanassery native Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, 51, who had been coordinating Pope Francis' foreign trips since 2021
New Indian Express
22-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Four Indians with voting right to elect Pope's successor
KOCHI: Four Indian cardinals, including two Keralites, are part of the 120-strong College of Cardinals who will attend a secret conclave to choose the next . The Indian cardinals eligible to vote in the conclave are Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, 72, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman and Patriarch of the East Indies; Thiruvananthapuram-based Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, 64, the Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church; Cardinal Anthony Poola, 63, Archbishop of Hyderabad and the first Dalit cardinal in history; and Changanassery native Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, 51, who had been coordinating Pope Francis' foreign trips since 2021 Only cardinals aged below 80 years can vote in conclave Koovakad was elevated to the cardinalate in December 2024 and appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue in January 2025. Only cardinals aged below 80 are eligible to vote in the conclave. Cardinal George Alencherry, Major Archbishop Emeritus of the Syro-Malabar Church, turned 80 on April 19. He participated as a cardinal-elector in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis. During the conclave, Alencherry was one of the four cardinal-electors from outside the Latin Church who wore different vestments, proper to their respective churches. Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Mumbai, turned 80 last December. The conclave typically begins 15-20 days after the pope's death, allowing time for the cardinals to travel to Rome. The exact date is set by the College of Cardinals, likely within a week of the funeral.
