Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Apr 22: Following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away after delivering his final Easter Sunday address, four Indian cardinals are set to participate in the papal conclave that will elect the next head of the Roman Catholic Church.
As per tradition, 138 cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to cast their votes in the highly secretive conclave held inside the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. Cardinals over the age of 80 are not permitted to vote.
Out of six cardinals from India, two are above the age limit, leaving four eligible to take part in the voting process.
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Cardinal George Koovakad (51) is the youngest among them, hailing from Kerala’s Syro-Malabar Church. A former Vatican diplomat who played a key role in organising Pope Francis' foreign visits, he was ordained in 2004 and elevated to the College of Cardinals in 2024.
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Cardinal Anthony Poola (63) holds the distinction of being India's first Dalit cardinal. Known for his advocacy for social reform, he was inducted into the College of Cardinals in 2022.
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Cardinal Baselios Cleemis (64) serves as the Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in Thiruvananthapuram. Ordained in 1986, he became a cardinal in 2012.
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Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão (72), the most senior of the four, is known for his focus on social justice and climate change. Ordained in 1979, he joined the College of Cardinals in 2022.
These Indian prelates will now play a vital role in shaping the future leadership of the Catholic Church.