Cardinal Mar George Jacob Koovakkad made history as the first priest in India to be directly elevated to the position of Cardinal while still serving as a priest.
Published Dec 08, 2024 | 6:15 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 08, 2024 | 6:15 PM
Cardinal Mar George Jacob Koovakkad, who was ordained as a Cardinal in a solemn and prayerful ceremony at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.
“My brother has always been very close to Jesus, even from childhood. He was deeply involved in church activities from a very young age, and it felt certain that his path would lead him to the priesthood,” Litty Mathew, sister of Cardinal Monsignor George Jacob Koovakkad told South First.
“Our family has always been closely connected to the church. In Lourdes Matha Syro Malabar Church in Mammoodu of Changanassery, he was an active part of the church since his early years. Now, he has become the prince of the church. Like everyone else, we feel immense pride, but more than that, we are deeply humbled by God for this blessing. This feels like the greatest Christmas gift we could ever receive,” she added, expressing her profound joy
Kerala-born Cardinal Monsignor George Jacob Koovakkad was ordained as a Cardinal in a solemn and prayerful ceremony at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on Saturday, 7 December.
Her words, filled with love, devotion, and a deep sense of grace, beautifully reflected the immense happiness of a family celebrating such a blessed occasion.
Ancy Joseph, a Panchayat member from Mammoodu, is currently busy with preparations for the arrival of Cardinal Monsignor George Jacob Koovakkad to his hometown.
“Not only as a Panchayat representative but also as his neighbour, I feel proud and happy,” she told South First.
“We just had a parish council meeting, and we’ve decided to organise a grand welcome for our ‘prince’ on 5 January at Holy Family Church in Mannila. Our small village is now known to the world through him. Everything is God’s grace,” she added.
The Cardinals of the Church are often referred to as the “Princes of the Church.” With the elevation of Monsignor George Koovakkad, the Changanassery Archdiocese now boasts its third Cardinal. Cardinal Mar Antony Padiyara and Cardinal Mar George Alencherry had previously received the esteemed title.
Cardinal Monsignor George Jacob Koovakkad, from the Changanassery Archdiocese, has made history as the first priest in India to be directly elevated to the position of Cardinal while still serving as a priest.
In a ceremony at St Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis led the elevation of 21 new Cardinals, including Koovakkad. The ceremony marked a significant moment for the Catholic Church in India, with Cardinal Koovakkad donning the distinctive symbols of the Syro-Malabar tradition, including a black and red cassock.
In his address to the new Cardinals, Pope Francis urged them to humbly dedicate their hearts to God’s plan. He emphasised the importance of walking alongside those who suffer, stating,
“The Church must not shut the door. Do not hide inside. We must walk with the world, especially with those who weep, fostering unity and mutual understanding in the path of Jesus,” said the Pope.
The Pope called for a deep commitment to the world’s struggles, insisting that God’s plan must be firmly rooted in the heart and that the way forward is through the tears of those who have lost hope.
George Koovakkad was born on 11 August 1973 in the serene town of Chethipuzha in Changanacherry of Kerala. From a young age, he exhibited a profound devotion to his faith and education.
He pursued his early education at SB College Changanassery, where he not only excelled academically but also served as the president of the Catholic Students Movement.
His commitment to learning and faith was unwavering, culminating in a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1994.
Driven by a calling, Koovakkad entered the path of priesthood, and in 2004, he was ordained a priest of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Archeparchy of Changanacherry by Archbishop Joseph Powathil.
His educational journey continued with a licentiate in theology, followed by a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome.
His thesis on “The Obligation of Poverty for Secular Clerics in the Codes of Canon Law” reflected his deep theological insight and understanding of the church’s principles.
Koovakkad’s dedication to the Church led him to a distinguished career in the Holy See’s diplomatic service. Starting in 2006, he served in various nunciatures, including Algeria, South Korea, Iran, Costa Rica, and Venezuela.
His diplomatic work, marked by a spirit of service and compassion, earned him recognition within the Vatican. In 2014, he was appointed Chaplain of His Holiness, a title that reflected his growing prominence.
His efforts in organising papal trips, including visits to Canada, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and several Southeast Asian nations, further solidified his role within the Vatican’s inner circles.
In October 2024, Koovakkad’s tireless dedication to the Church was rewarded when Pope Francis announced his appointment as the titular archbishop of Nisibis of the Chaldeans.
On 7 December 2024, he was elevated to the rank of cardinal, a rare honour for a member of the Syro-Malabar Church. This momentous occasion was a proud moment for his family, the Syro-Malabar community, and the Church at large.
Cardinal Koovakkad’s story is one of unwavering faith, dedication, and an extraordinary journey from the small town of Changanacherry to the corridors of Vatican power, reflecting both his personal devotion and his immense contribution to the global Catholic Church.
Koovakkad’s reputation as a key figure in the Vatican’s global initiatives, particularly in organising complex international papal visits, has earned him widespread recognition. His work, coordinating these high-profile trips, became essential to the Vatican’s outreach efforts around the world.
In October, Koovakkad was appointed by Pope Francis as the titular Archbishop of Nisibis of the Chaldeans in Türkiye, further cementing his influential role within the Church.
Speaking to Vatican News, Koovakkad reflected on the deep-rooted faith that has shaped his life. “My faith is a family treasure, passed down through generations,” he shared, recounting how growing up in a vibrant community where daily Mass and family prayers were a central part of life inspired his vocation to the priesthood.
Koovakkad also credited his time as a university student leader and his diplomatic training for preparing him for the immense responsibility of his current role. “Organising papal visits is a tremendous responsibility, but I view these journeys as pilgrimages of the Successor of Peter,” he explained.
As he steps into his new role, Koovakkad stressed the importance of the Church’s mission to serve humanity and protect the environment. He emphasised that the Church must transcend its borders to spread the good news and care for our common home.
His remarks align closely with Pope Francis’ vision of promoting peace through dialogue and fraternity, particularly in today’s world marked by conflict and division.
Now, as a Cardinal, Koovakkad will represent India’s small but devoted Catholic community on the world stage. He noted, “India’s tradition of tolerance and spiritual depth offers valuable lessons to the universal Church.”
Koovakkad’s elevation to Cardinal brings the total number of Cardinals to 256, including 141 electors who are eligible to participate in a future papal conclave. His appointment is seen as a reflection of Pope Francis’ focus on inclusivity and the global reach of the Church.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
