Indian Delegation to Attend Kerala Priest’s Cardinal Elevation at Vatican
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved a high-level Indian delegation to attend the elevation of Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad, a Kerala priest, to cardinal at the Vatican. The ceremony led by Pope Francis is scheduled for Saturday, and the delegation aims to strengthen relations with the Vatican and represent the Indian Christian community.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted approval for a high-level Indian delegation to travel to Vatican City to witness Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad’s elevation to cardinal. The ceremony, an elevation presided over by Pope Francis, is scheduled for Saturday. Leading the delegation is Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian, who announced their departure on Friday. The delegation comprises seven notable members, including former minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh, and other significant political figures.
Monsignor Koovakad, who is 51 years old, plays a key role in the Vatican, managing Pope Francis’s international travel. A native of Kerala, he is affiliated with the Syro-Malabar Catholic Archdiocese of Changanacherry and was ordained a priest in 2004. Following his education at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, he joined the Vatican Diplomatic Service in 2006 and has served in several countries. As a senior clergy member, Koovakad will take on critical responsibilities as he becomes one of 21 new cardinals from around the globe during this historic occasion.
George Kurian stated the significance of the Prime Minister’s policies for minorities, reflecting a vision of equality and safety for all religions. Similarly, his delegation aims to represent India’s commitment to strengthening domestic and international ties, promoting the philosophy of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.” The delegation acknowledges that despite historical misrepresentations, the Christian community in India has increasingly shown support toward the BJP.
Monsignor Koovakad’s elevation marks an important chapter for Kerala, as he will be the sixth individual from the state to attain the rank of cardinal. His predecessors include Cardinal Antony Padiyara and Cardinal George Alencherry, both of whom have made notable contributions to the church. This event symbolizes not only recognition for Monsignor Koovakad’s service but also the deeper connections between India and the Vatican.
The elevation of Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad to the cardinalate at the Vatican signifies an important recognition of leadership within the Roman Catholic Church, particularly for the Syro-Malabar Catholic community in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approval of the Indian delegation symbolizes India’s diplomatic relationship with the Vatican and the importance of representation of minority communities in political decisions. The event also underscores the role of cardinals within the church, who are pivotal in advising the Pope and participating in the election of a new pontiff, thus emphasizing the global implications of this ceremony and its ecclesiastical significance.
In conclusion, the impending elevation of Monsignor George Koovakad to the cardinalate at the Vatican is a historic moment both for him personally and for the Indian Christian community, particularly from Kerala. This visit by a high-level Indian delegation, sanctioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reaffirms India’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and respect for diverse religious communities. The representation at such a prestigious event underscores the government’s outreach efforts toward minority communities and the strengthening of international relations with the Holy See.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
