Indian priest George Jacob Koovakad being elevated as a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Catholic Church by Pope Francis is a matter of nice pleasure and satisfaction for India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Sunday. He stated George Cardinal Koovakad has devoted his life to the service of humanity as an ardent follower of Jesus Christ.
“A matter of nice pleasure and satisfaction for India! Delighted at His Eminence George Jacob Koovakad being created a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Catholic Church by His Holiness Pope Francis,” Modi stated in a put up on X.
“His Eminence George Cardinal Koovakad has devoted his life in service of humanity as an ardent follower of Lord Jesus Christ. My finest needs for his future endeavours,” the prime minister stated.
In a grand consistory held within the Vatican on Saturday, 51-year-old Koovakad was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Francis.
The ceremony, held on the well-known St Peter’s Basilica and attended by clergy and dignitaries from all over the world, witnessed the induction of 21 new cardinals from varied nations.
The ceremony started at 8.30 pm (IST) marking a procession with 21 cardinal-designated to the altar of St Peter’s Basilica. Later, the Pope addressed the gathering and handed over the ceremonious cap and ring to the cardinal-designate, adopted by a certificates accompanied by prayers.
Koovakad’s appointment brings the overall variety of Indian cardinals to 6, additional strengthening the nation’s illustration on the Vatican.
