It is a matter of great joy and pride for India that Indian priest George Jacob Koovakad has been elevated by Pope Francis as a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Catholic Church, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday. He said that George Cardinal Kuvakad dedicated his life to the service of humanity as an ardent follower of Jesus Christ.
“A matter of great joy and pride for India! Delighted in his eminence that George Jacob Kouvakad has been made a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Catholic Church by Pope Francis,” Modi said in a post on X.
“His Eminence George Cardinal Kouvakad has dedicated his life to the service of humanity as an ardent follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours,” the Prime Minister said.
Kuvacad, 51, was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Francis at a grand consistory held at the Vatican on Saturday.
21 new cardinals from different countries were inducted in the ceremony at the famous St. Peter’s Basilica in the presence of clergy and dignitaries from around the world.
The ceremony began at 8.30 pm (IST) marking the procession of the 21 cardinals-elect to the altar of St. Peter’s Basilica. Later, the Pope addressed the gathering and handed the cardinal-elect a formal cap and ring, followed by a certificate with a prayer.
Koovakad’s appointment brings the total number of Indian cardinals to six, further strengthening the country’s representation at the Vatican.