"Dreaming with God": Cardinal Anthony Poola's Inspiring Journey to the Papal Conclave

On May 7th, 135 cardinal-electors will gather under the frescoed ceilings of the Sistine Chapel in Rome to elect the 267th pope. Among these many prelates stands a humble figure: Cardinal Anthony Poola, India’s first Dalit cardinal.

Born into poverty in the small village of Chindhukuru in Andhra Pradesh, Cardinal Poola's life is more than a story of personal triumph—it's a powerful source of inspiration for millions of marginalised people around the world.

As a child, Poola often experienced caste-based discrimination. On one occasion, someone even refused to give him a glass to drink water from simply because he belonged to the Dalit community.

A Shepherd Shaped by Suffering and Service

Despite facing systemic barriers, Poola remained focused on his studies. A Dutch missionary recognised his scholastic calibre and supported his education. After completing his priestly studies, he was ordained as a priest in 1992. He was appointed Bishop of Kurnool in 2008 and later elevated to Archbishop of Hyderabad in 2020. In 2022, Pope Francis appointed him as a cardinal, making him the first Dalit to become a member of the College of Cardinals.

Lessons from Pope Francis

In an email-based interview with Catholic Connect, Cardinal Poola reflected deeply on the influence of the late Pope Francis on his life and ministry:

"One aspect of Pope Francis’ leadership that has deeply impacted me is his vision of the Church as a 'field hospital' — a place of healing, mercy, and accompaniment," Poola said.

"Additionally, his constant call to go to the margins and encounter Christ in the poor and the wounded has profoundly shaped my understanding of service."

Cardinal Poola also expressed his admiration for the late pontiff's simplicity of life, his pastoral closeness to people, and his vision of a missionary and synodal Church.

"The Name of God is Mercy"

Cardinal Poola shared that he was deeply moved by a few poignant words the late pontiff once spoke.

"Pope Francis had once said, 'The name of God is Mercy,'" he recalled. "These words capture the very heart of the Gospel and reflect the tenderness with which the late pope led the Church.”

Cardinal Poola added that he greatly admired Pope Francis’ humility, his courage to speak truth with love, his joyful witness to hope, and his deep compassion for the vulnerable. He also mentioned that the late pontiff's ability to listen with the heart and discern patiently are qualities that he aspires to emulate in his daily ministry.

Moments That Left a Mark

Cardinal Poola also recalled a few beautiful memories from occasions when he personally met Pope Francis.

“One moment that remains etched in my memory was when he greeted me after my appointment as Cardinal,” Cardinal Poola shared. ” His embrace was warm, fatherly, and encouraging. He simply said to me, ‘Stay close to the people. Smell your sheep and stay close to Jesus.’ It was a brief encounter, but it captured the essence of his pastoral heart and left a deep impression on my life and ministry.”

Another memorable moment from his personal encounters with the late pontiff, Cardinal Poola recalled, was a private audience during which Pope Francis spoke about “dreaming with God”.

“He told everyone in the audience, 'Dream big, not for our glory, but for the good of God's people,'” said Poola. “Those words continue to inspire my service every day.”

A Beacon of Hope for a New Era

When Cardinal Anthony Poola steps into the Sistine Chapel on May 7th alongside his brother cardinals to vote for the next pope, he will be carrying with him not just the prayers of a nation but the silent hopes of countless marginalised hearts from across the world. His journey from the dusty lanes of Poluru to serving at the Conclave is a testament to the impact that love, care, and support for the underprivileged can make. He stands as a living reminder that with support and love from others, even the most ordinary people from humble backgrounds can achieve huge success and become individuals of significant influence.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

Image Credit: Associated Press