Indian Cardinal George Koovakkad to Play Key Role During Upcoming Papal Conclave

Vatican City, April 21, 2025 — Following the passing of Pope Francis earlier today, the College of Cardinals will gather after a few days for a conclave to elect the next pope. Among those who will be playing a major role during the election process is Cardinal George Koovakkad, an Indian prelate.

As Junior Cardinal Deacon in the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Koovakkad will be responsible for handling several significant ceremonial and procedural responsibilities during the conclave. One of his primary duties will be to publicly draw lots to assign roles to nine cardinal electors: three Scrutineers, who count the votes; three Infirmarii, who collect ballots from electors unable to be present in the Sistine Chapel due to illness; and three Revisers, who verify the accuracy of the vote count. This ritual act, conducted within the Sistine Chapel, marks the formal commencement of the conclave’s voting process.

In addition, Cardinal Koovakkad will oversee the opening and closing of the Sistine Chapel doors whenever necessary—such as when the Infirmarii leave to gather votes from the electors who are ill and when they return back. He will also supervise the burning of ballots, conducted immediately after vote verification, in the presence of the Scrutineers, the Secretary of the Conclave, and the Masters of Ceremonies.

Upon the successful election of a new pope, it will be Cardinal Koovakkad’s duty to summon the Secretary of the College of Cardinals and the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations into the hall of election to initiate preparations for the official announcement of the new pontiff.

Appointed directly from the priesthood to the College of Cardinals by Pope Francis on December 7, 2024, Cardinal Koovakkad is the first Indian to receive such an elevation. He currently serves as Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and has played a key role in the Holy See’s diplomatic efforts, including coordinating papal journeys abroad since 2021.

By Catholic Connect Reporter