With the passing of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church enters a solemn period of mourning and transition. As part of this process, 135 cardinals under the age of 80 will soon convene in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City to elect the next leader of the Church. Among them are four Indian cardinals—an indication of India’s increasing prominence in global Catholic leadership.
Here’s a closer look at the four Indian cardinals who will cast their vote in the upcoming papal conclave:
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão (Age 72)
The Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Cardinal Ferrao serves as President of both the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India and the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences. Widely respected as the seventh Patriarch of the East Indies, he is an advocate for interfaith dialogue, family ministry, and social justice. Church officials say he has consistently championed the rights of migrants and environmental protection.
Cardinal Baselios Cleemis (Age 64)
Born Isaac Thottumkal, Cardinal Cleemis is the Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, based in Trivandrum. A bishop since 2001 and cardinal since 2012, he has played a key role in preserving the Syro-Malankara Church’s distinct traditions. His leadership continues to guide the community through theological and cultural continuity.
Cardinal Anthony Poola (Age 63)
Currently serving as the Archbishop of Hyderabad, Cardinal Poola broke new ground as the first Dalit cardinal from India. His historic appointment in 2022 marked a significant move toward inclusivity and equality within the Church. Vatican officials regard him as a beacon of hope for marginalized communities facing caste-based discrimination.
Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad (Age 51)
The youngest among the Indian electors, Cardinal Koovakad leads the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. Known for his innovative approach and global outreach, he also holds the title of Cardinal-Deacon of S. Antonio di Padova a Circonvallazione Appia in Rome. Observers see him as a symbol of the Church’s evolving leadership, with a strong emphasis on unity among faiths.
As the Catholic world prepares for the conclave, these four Indian cardinals will play a vital role in shaping the future of the Church—highlighting both India’s deep-rooted Catholic heritage and its growing voice in global religious affairs.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)