“PM Modi : India Proud as Archbishop George Koovakad Becomes Cardinal”

The Prime Minister remarked today that it was  a matter of immense pride for India that Archbishop George Koovakad will be created as a Cardinal by His Holiness Pope Francis.

The Prime Minister’s Office handle in a post on X said: 

“It is a matter of immense pride for India that Archbishop George Koovakad will be created as a Cardinal by His Holiness Pope Francis. 

The Government of India sent a delegation led by Union Minister Shri George Kurian to witness this Ceremony. 

Prior to the Ceremony, the Indian delegation also called on His Holiness Pope Francis.

@Pontifex 

@GeorgekurianBjp”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dispatched a high-level Indian delegation to attend the ordination of Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad as a Cardinal by His Holiness Pope Francis. The ceremony took place at the Vatican City on Saturday, December 7.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) highlighted the significance of the event on their X handle, stating, “It is a matter of immense pride for India that Archbishop George Koovakad will be created as a Cardinal by His Holiness Pope Francis.” The Government of India sent a delegation led by Union Minister of State for Fisheries, George Kurian, to represent the nation at this historic occasion. Prior to the ordination ceremony, the delegation also had the honor of meeting Pope Francis.

Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad, hailing from the Syro-Malabar Archdiocese of Changanacherry, Kerala, was among the 21 new Cardinals announced by the Pope on October 6. Known for his pivotal role in coordinating Pope Francis’ international travels since 2020, Koovakad’s elevation to the rank of Cardinal is a significant milestone for the Indian Christian community. The formal ceremony for the Cardinals took place on December 8.

The Indian delegation included several prominent figures, such as Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh, Rajya Sabha MP Satam Singh Sandhu, and BJP leaders Anil Antony, Anoop Antony, and Tom Vadakkan.

Speaking about the event, Rajeev Chandrasekhar noted, “Our Prime Minister has consistently prioritized outreach to global communities over the last decade. India’s Christian population, notably in Goa, Kerala, and the Northeast, has increasingly supported his vision of ‘Viksit Bharat.’ This occasion reflects the government’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and international harmony.”