51-year-old Indian priest George Jacob Koovakad was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Francis. Photos Courtesy: AFP
Born on 11 August 1973 in Thiruvananthapuram, Koovakad was ordained as a priest on July 24, 2004. He later pursued training for diplomatic service at the prestigious Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy.
Previously, Koovakad, who held the title of Monsignor, was declared the Titular Archbishop of Nisibis in Turkey.
Over the years, Koovakad held various significant roles, including Secretary of the Nunciature in South Korea (2009 - 2012) and Iran (2012 - 2014). He subsequently served as Counsellor of the Nunciatures in Costa Rica (2014 - 2018) and Venezuela (2018 - 2020).
In 2020, he joined the Secretariat of State of the Holy See, where he assumed responsibility for organising the Pope's global travels, according to the Church.
Koovakad, who is currently based in the Vatican, becomes the sixth Indian to be appointed as cardinal, including the likes of Oswald Cardinal Gracias from Mumbai.
A delegation led by Union Minister George Kurian meets Pope Francis ahead of Archbishop George Koovakad being appointed as Cardinal by His Holiness Pope Francis. Indian Prime Minister expressed, "A matter of great joy and pride for India! Delighted at His Eminence George Jacob Koovakad being created a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Catholic Church by His Holiness Pope Francis. His Eminence George Cardinal Koovakad has devoted his life in service of humanity as an ardent follower of Lord Jesus Christ. My best wishes for his future endeavours."
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