Kerala-born Archbishop George Jacob Koovakkad from Changanassery Archdiocese was elevated to the rank of Cardinal of the Catholic Church along with 20 others from across the world by Pope Francis on 7th December 2024.
- Cardinal Koovakkad is the first Indian and from the Syro Malabar Church to be raised as a Cardinal from among priests.
- He was ordained an Archbishop in November this year ahead of his creation as a Cardinal.
- Hailing from the Archdiocese of Changanassery in Kerala, Cardinal Koovakad’s appointment brings the total number of Indian cardinals to six, further strengthening the country’s representation in the Vatican.
