# George Koovakad

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Indian Cardinal of Catholic Church

George Jacob Koovakad ܡܵܪܝ ܓܝܼܘܲܪܓܝܼܣ ܝܲܥܩܘܿܒ݂ ܟܘܼܘܲܟܵܕ‎ Cardinal Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue Koovakad in 2025 Church Syro-Malabar Church Archdiocese Syro-Malabar Catholic Archeparchy of Changanassery Appointed 24 January 2025 Predecessor Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot Other posts Head of the Journeys Office of the Secretariat of State of the Holy See (2021–) Cardinal-Deacon of Sant'Antonio di Padova a Circonvallazione Appia (2024–) Previous posts Official of the Secretariat of State of the Holy See (2006–2021) Titular Archbishop of Nisibis of the Chaldeans (2024) Orders Ordination 24 July 2004 by Mar Joseph Powathil Consecration 24 November 2024 by Mar Raphael Thattil Created cardinal 7 December 2024 by Pope Francis Rank Cardinal-Deacon Personal details Born (1973-08-11) 11 August 1973 (age 52) Chethipuzha, Kerala, India Education SB College Changanasserry Pontifical University of the Holy Cross Alma mater Pontifical University of the Holy Cross Motto Fragantiam Christi caritatis effundere (To pour out the fragrance of Christ's charity) Coat of arms Ordination history History Priestly ordination Ordained by Joseph Powathil Date 24 July 2004 Episcopal consecration Consecrated by Raphael Thattil Date 24 November 2024[1]

**George Jacob Koovakad** ([Syriac](/source/Syriac_language): ܡܵܪܝ ܓܝܼܘܲܪܓܝܼܣ ܝܲܥܩܘܿܒ݂ ܟܘܼܘܲܟܵܕ) (born 11 August 1973) is an [Indian](/source/India) [cardinal](/source/Cardinal_(Catholic_Church)) of the [Syro-Malabar Catholic Church](/source/Syro-Malabar_Church) who is prefect of the [Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue](/source/Dicastery_for_Interreligious_Dialogue) since 2025. Since 2020, he has worked in the offices of the [Holy See's](/source/Holy_See) [Secretariat of State](/source/Secretariat_of_State_(Holy_See)) in the Journeys Office, which was responsible for organizing [Pope Francis](/source/Pope_Francis)' overseas trips, and has headed that office since 2021. From 2006 to 2020, he served assignments in several countries while working in the diplomatic service of the Holy See.

After [Pope Francis](/source/Pope_Francis) announced his intentions to make Koovakad a [cardinal](/source/Cardinal_(Catholic_Church)) on 6 October 2024, he received [episcopal consecration](/source/Episcopal_consecration) on 24 November and was officially made a cardinal on 7 December.

## Biography

George Koovakad was born in [Chethipuzha](/source/Chethipuzha), in the municipality of [Changanacherry](/source/Changanacherry), Kottayam district, [Kerala](/source/Kerala), on 11 August 1973.[2][3]

He earned his intermediate and bachelor's degrees in chemistry from [SB College, Changanassery](/source/St._Berchmans_College) in 1994 where he was also the president of Catholic Students Movement in the college.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] He obtained a licentiate in 2004,[4] studying at St Thomas Minor Seminary, [Kurichy](/source/Kurichy), and St Joseph Pontifical Seminary, [Aluva](/source/Aluva).[5] He was ordained a priest of the [Syro-Malabar Catholic Archeparchy of Changanacherry](/source/Syro-Malabar_Catholic_Archeparchy_of_Changanacherry) on 24 July 2004 by Archbishop [Joseph Powathil](/source/Joseph_Powathil).[3] He served for a term as assistant vicar of [St Mary's Church, Parel](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=St_Mary%27s_Church,_Parel&action=edit&redlink=1), Changanacherry.[5]

Moving to Rome, he obtained a doctorate in canon law in 2006 from the [Pontifical University of the Holy Cross](/source/Pontifical_University_of_the_Holy_Cross) with a thesis on "The Obligation of Poverty for Secular Clerics in the Codes of Canon Law".[4]

After completing the preparatory program at the [Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy](/source/Pontifical_Ecclesiastical_Academy), he joined the diplomatic service of the Holy See in 2006. He worked in the [nunciature](/source/Apostolic_nunciature) in Algeria and then served as secretary of the nunciature in South Korea from 2009 to 2012 and in Iran from 2012 to 2014 and as counsellor of the nunciatures in Costa Rica from 2014 to 2018 and in Venezuela from 2018 to 2020.[2][6] On 1 October 2014 he was given the title [Chaplain of His Holiness](/source/Chaplain_of_His_Holiness),[7] and on 13 December 2019 that of [Prelate of Honor of His Holiness](/source/Prelate_of_Honour_of_His_Holiness).[8]

In July 2020 he joined the staff of the Secretariat of State[a] and since 2021 has organized several papal trips, including visits to Canada, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan, as well as a lengthy trip to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore.[6]

In 2024 he visited India to lead Holy Week services at his family's home parish, Lourde Matha Parish at [Mammood](/source/Mammood) in Changanacherry.[5]

On 6 October 2024, Pope Francis announced he intended to make Koovakad a cardinal on 8 December,[10] a date that was later changed to 7 December.[11] According to church sources, he will remain in a post at the [Holy See](/source/Holy_See). Fr. Antony Vadakkekara, spokesman for the [Syro-Malabar Catholic Church](/source/Syro-Malabar_Catholic_Church), said, "It is a great honor for the Syro-Malabar Church as one of its sons is elevated as cardinal directly, which is first in India." Before Koovakad's elevation to cardinal, only the [Major Archbishop](/source/Major_Archbishop) of the Syro-Malabar Church has been made cardinal.[12]

Pope Francis appointed Koovakad titular archbishop of [Nisibis of the Chaldeans](/source/Nusaybin#Chaldean_Catholic_titular_see) on 25 October 2024.[13] Koovakad received his episcopal consecration on 24 November 2024 in [Changanassery Cathedral](/source/St._Mary's_Metropolitan_Cathedral%2C_Changanassery) from Major Archbishop [Raphael Thattil](/source/Raphael_Thattil).[14]

On 7 December 2024, Pope Francis made him a cardinal, assigning him as a member of the order of cardinal deacons the deaconry of [Sant'Antonio di Padova a Circonvallazione Appia](/source/Sant'Antonio_di_Padova_a_Circonvallazione_Appia).[15]

In place of the red biretta given to the new cardinals of the Latin rite, Francis placed a black and red shash on Koovakad's head. The shash is commonly used by other churches of [East Syriac](/source/East_Syriac) tradition, such as the [Chaldean Catholic Church](/source/Chaldean_Catholic_Church).[16]

On 11 January 2025, he was named a member of the [Dicastery for the Eastern Churches](/source/Dicastery_for_the_Eastern_Churches).[17] On 24 January 2025, he was appointed as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.[18] He is the third prelate from India to head a Curial department, the first from the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church.[19] He continues to serve as head of the Journeys Section of the Secretariat of State.[20]

Koovakad participated as an elector in the [2025 papal conclave](/source/2025_papal_conclave) that elected [Pope Leo XIV](/source/Pope_Leo_XIV). As the junior cardinal deacon, he was responsible for a variety of administrative functions, such as selecting by lot the cardinals responsible for counting the ballots, and for opening and closing the doors of the [Sistine Chapel](/source/Sistine_Chapel) as necessary.[21]

## See also

- [Catholic Church in India](/source/Catholic_Church_in_India)

- [Cardinals created by Pope Francis](/source/Cardinals_created_by_Pope_Francis)

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** He was working on papal trips when Pope Francis bade farewell to his predecessor and announced his role as "director" of travels while flying to Budapest on 21 September 2021.[9]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Episcopal ordination of George Jacob Koovakad held"](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/episcopal-ordination-of-george-jacob-koovakad-held/article68906138.ece/). *The Hindu*. 25 November 2024. Retrieved 25 November 2024.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-express_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-express_2-1) ["Kerala priest Monsignor George Koovakad elevated to Cardinal, oversees Pope Francis' global travels"](https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kerala-priest-monsignor-george-jacob-koovakad-elevated-to-cardinal-by-pope-francis-9607755/lite/). *Indian Express*. 7 October 2024. Retrieved 7 October 2024.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ani_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ani_3-1) ["CBCI congratulates Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad on his appointment as Cardinal"](https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/cbci-congratulates-monsignor-george-jacob-koovakad-on-his-appointment-as-cardinal20241007185844/). [Asian News International](/source/Asian_News_International). 7 October 2024. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20241008024444/https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/cbci-congratulates-monsignor-george-jacob-koovakad-on-his-appointment-as-cardinal20241007185844/) from the original on 8 October 2024. Retrieved 7 October 2024.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-puhc_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-puhc_4-1) ["Alumnus George Koovakad (PhD in Canon Law, 2006) is among the new Cardinals announced by Pope Francis"](https://en.pusc.it/article/lalumnus-george-koovakad-phd-canonico-2006-tra-i-nuovi-cardinali). *Pontifical University of the Holy Cross*. 7 October 2024. Retrieved 7 October 2024.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-matters_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-matters_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-matters_5-2) Kavi, Jose (6 October 2024). ["Indian Priest Among 21 New Cardinal-Elects"](https://mattersindia.com/2024/10/indian-priest-among-21-new-cardinal-elects/). *Matters India*. Retrieved 7 October 2024.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-VN_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-VN_6-1) Tornielli, Andrea (7 October 2024). ["Cardinal-elect Koovakad is first serving organizer of papal visits to be created Cardinal"](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2024-10/cardinal-elect-george-koovakad-papal-visit-organizer-nomination.html). *Vatican News*. Retrieved 7 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Acta Apostolicae Sedis, v. CVII (2015), p. 231

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Acta Apostolicae Sedis, v. CXII (2020), p. 114

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Viaggio Apostolico di Sua Santità Francesco a Budapest..."](https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2021/09/12/0560/01225.html) (Press release) (in Italian). Holy See Press Office. 21 September 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Annuncio di Concistoro l'8 dicembre per la creazione di nuovi Cardinali, 06.10.2024"](https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2024/10/06/0774/01532.html) (Press release) (in Italian). Holy See Press Office. 6 October 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Brockhaus, Hannah (12 October 2024). ["Vatican Shares Pope Francis' Schedule for December Consistory to Create Cardinals"](https://www.ncregister.com/cna/vatican-shares-pope-francis-schedule-for-december-consistory-to-create-cardinals?amp). *National Catholic Register*. Retrieved 12 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["New cardinal boosts global recognition of Indian Eastern-rite church"](https://www.heraldmalaysia.com/news/new-cardinal-boosts-global-recognition-of-indian-eastern-rite-church/78648/2). Herald Malaysia Online. 8 October 2024. Retrieved 10 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Resignations and Appointments, 25.10.2024"](https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2024/10/25/241025b.html) (Press release). Holy See Press Office. 25 October 2024. Retrieved 25 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Episcopal ordination of George Jacob Koovakad held"](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/episcopal-ordination-of-george-jacob-koovakad-held/article68906138.ece/). *The Hindu*. 24 November 2024. Retrieved 24 November 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Concistoro Ordinario Pubblico: Assegnazione dei Titoli e delle Diaconie ai nuovi Cardinali, 07.12.2024"](https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2024/12/07/0975/01948.html) (Press release) (in Italian). Holy See Press Office. 7 December 2024. Retrieved 7 December 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Philippi, Dieter (6 March 2011). ["Shash - Headgear of the Chaldean Catholic Clergy"](https://philippi-collection.blogspot.com/2011/03/shash-headgear-of-chaldean-catholic_06.html). *Philippi Collection*. Retrieved 14 December 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Resignations and Appointments, 11.01.2025"](https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2025/01/11/250111d.html) (Press release). Holy See Press Office. 11 January 2025. Retrieved 11 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["Resignations and Appointments, 24.01.2025"](https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2025/01/24/0071/00143.html). Holy See Press Office. 24 January 2025. Retrieved 24 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Coppen, Luke (24 January 2025). ["Syro-Malabar milestone as Cardinal Koovakad is named prefect"](https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/syro-malabar-milestone-as-cardinal). *The Pillar*. Retrieved 26 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** Koovakad, George (24 January 2025). ["Cardinal Koovakad: Interreligious dialogue can build peace"](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-01/cardinal-koovakad-interreligious-dialogue-prefect-interview.html). *Vatican News* (Interview). Interviewed by Andrea Tornielli. Retrieved 26 January 2025. Cardinal Koovakad will retain his current role as organizer of papal visits.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["India's Cardinal Koovakad Plays Key Role Ensuring Secrecy, Validity of Conclave Voting"](https://www.ncregister.com/cna/india-s-cardinal-koovakad-plays-key-role-ensuring-secrecy-validity-of-conclave-voting). *NCR*. 8 May 2025. Retrieved 12 May 2025.

## External links

- [Koovakad on Catholic Hierarchy](https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bkoov.html)

Catholic Church titles Preceded by Karl-Josef Rauber Cardinal-Deacon of Sant'Antonio di Padova a Circonvallazione Appia 7 December 2024 – present Incumbent Preceded by Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue 25 January 2025 – present

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