Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad of Kerala Elevated to Cardinal by Pope Francis
Thiruvananthapuram: Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad, a priest from Kerala known for coordinating Pope Francis‘ international travels since 2020, has been elevated to the esteemed rank of Cardinal. The 51-year-old was one of 21 priests to receive this honor from Pope Francis on Sunday. Born on August 11, 1973, in Thiruvananthapuram, Monsignor Koovakad was ordained a priest on July 24, 2004, and later pursued diplomatic service training at the distinguished Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy.
Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad of Kerala Elevated to Cardinal by Pope Francis
On Sunday, Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad, a prominent priest from Kerala, India, was elevated to the prestigious rank of Cardinal by Pope Francis, a significant milestone both for the Catholic Church in India and globally. The ceremony, held in Vatican City, was part of a consistory where Pope Francis elevated 21 priests from around the world to the rank of Cardinal, highlighting their service and dedication to the Church.
Background of Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad
Born on August 11, 1973, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, George Jacob Koovakad followed a devout path from an early age. After completing his theological studies, he was ordained as a Catholic priest on July 24, 2004. Over the years, Monsignor Koovakad demonstrated a deep commitment to his faith and the Church, which led him to pursue further specialized training for diplomatic service at the prestigious Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome, a key institution that prepares priests for diplomatic roles within the Vatican’s foreign missions and other ecclesiastical appointments.
Role as Organizer of Pope Francis’ Travels
Since 2020, Monsignor Koovakad has held the significant responsibility of organizing Pope Francis‘ international travels, a critical role that involves meticulous planning and coordination with local governments and Church officials across various countries. His role includes overseeing logistics, security, protocol, and communication to ensure the smooth functioning of papal visits, which are not just religious events but also hold diplomatic significance.
Being trusted with such a responsibility indicates Monsignor Koovakad’s exceptional organizational skills, diplomatic acumen, and ability to represent the Holy See at the highest levels.
Impact of His Elevation to Cardinal
Monsignor Koovakad’s elevation to the rank of Cardinal is a landmark moment, particularly for the Church in India, which has seen a growing influence on the global stage. His promotion reflects the increasing involvement of Indian clergy in Vatican affairs, as well as the diversity within the College of Cardinals, which now has a greater representation of priests from developing nations.
As a Cardinal, Monsignor Koovakad will now be part of the College of Cardinals, the body of senior Church leaders who serve as the Pope’s close advisors. More significantly, Cardinals are tasked with the solemn responsibility of electing the next Pope in a papal conclave—a rare but critical function in the governance of the Catholic Church.
Career Achievements and Contributions
Monsignor Koovakad’s career highlights the blend of pastoral care and diplomatic duties that are crucial to the Church’s operations both in spiritual and international contexts. His work in organizing papal travels showcases the Vatican’s global outreach efforts, fostering goodwill, dialogue, and cooperation with nations around the world.
His training at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy places him in a unique category of priests who have served in diplomatic capacities for the Holy See, including appointments to various nunciatures (Vatican embassies) around the world. This specialized training helps priests navigate the complex intersections of religion, politics, and diplomacy—a skillset Monsignor Koovakad has exemplified throughout his career.
Importance to the Kerala Christian Community
Monsignor Koovakad’s elevation is also a moment of pride for Kerala, which has a significant Christian population, particularly within the Syro-Malabar Church, one of the Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with Rome. His promotion as Cardinal brings hope and inspiration to many in the local Christian community, signaling that clergy from India continue to make impactful contributions to the global Church.
FAQs:
Who is Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad?
Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad is a Catholic priest from Kerala, born in Thiruvananthapuram, who was ordained in 2004. He has been serving as the coordinator for Pope Francis’ international travels since 2020 and was recently elevated to the rank of Cardinal by the Pope.
Why was Monsignor Koovakad elevated to Cardinal?
Monsignor Koovakad was elevated to Cardinal due to his dedicated service within the Church, particularly in organizing and overseeing Pope Francis’ international travels, a role he has held since 2020.
