Meet the Four Indian Cardinals Eligible to Elect the Next Pope

With the passing of Pope Francis, the global Catholic Church prepares for the election of his successor. Four Indian cardinals, all under the age of 80, are eligible to vote in the upcoming papal conclave. Each brings unique experience, regional representation, and a deep commitment to the Church.

Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal

Born Isaac Thottunkal on 15 June 1959 in Mukkoor, Kerala, he is the Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. He was elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope Benedict XVI on 24 November 2012, becoming the first cardinal from the Syro-Malankara tradition. Cardinal Cleemis holds a doctorate in Ecumenical Theology and is known for his work in promoting Christian unity. He has served as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India. He is also a member of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches and the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

Cardinal Anthony Poola

Cardinal Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad, made history as the first Dalit and the first Telugu cardinal. Born in Andhra Pradesh in 1961, he overcame caste and economic barriers to rise through the ranks of the Church. He was ordained in 1992 and appointed Bishop of Kurnool in 2008. In 2022, Pope Francis elevated him to the College of Cardinals. His pastoral focus has always centred on the poor, education, and social inclusion.

Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão

Archbishop of Goa and Daman and Patriarch of the East Indies, Cardinal Ferrão was born in 1953 in Aldona, Goa. He has served as a bishop since 1994 and was elevated to cardinal in 2022. Fluent in six languages, he is known for his pastoral care and leadership in the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences. He holds advanced theological degrees from Rome and Belgium. His work focuses on catechesis and evangelisation in multicultural communities.

Cardinal George Koovakad

Cardinal George Koovakad, born in 1973 in Kerala, is a Vatican diplomat and head of the Apostolic Journeys Office. Ordained in 2004, he served in various papal embassies before being called to the Secretariat of State. He was elevated to cardinal in December 2024—the first Syro-Malabar priest to become a cardinal without first becoming a bishop. Koovakad also leads the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. His role reflects a strong commitment to global unity and diplomacy.

Together, these four Indian Cardinals bring the rich diversity of the country's Catholic traditions to the heart of the Church’s most sacred decision-making body.

They will join a total of 135 Cardinals eligible to elect the next pope. The College of Cardinals represents a global Church, with 53 cardinals from Europe, 23 from Asia, 20 from North America, 18 from Africa, 17 from South America, and 4 from Oceania. This diverse gathering underscores the universal nature of the Catholic Church and the wide-ranging voices that will shape its future leadership.

By Catholic Connect Reporter