Veteran Journalist Ignatius Gonsalves Conferred Papal Chevalier Honour

Kochi, August 9, 2026: Veteran journalist and former president of the Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA), Prof. Ignatius Gonsalves, has been conferred the Papal Honour of Chevalier (Knight) of the Order of St. Sylvester, Pope, by Pope Leo XIV.

Gonsalves, a member of Infant Jesus Parish, Ernakulam, was among the recipients from the Archdiocese of Verapoly. Jose Antony Puthenveettil of Mount Carmel Parish, Chathiath, was also honoured with the same distinction.

For Gonsalves, the recognition marks a significant moment in a journalism career spanning more than five decades. He began working as a journalist in 1972 after a career in teaching and has continued to view journalism as an extension of his work as an educator.

“I never thought I would receive such an elevation. Everything has its time. It happened in God’s time,” Gonsalves said.

A teacher by profession before entering journalism, Gonsalves taught in schools and universities. He said the transition to journalism did not mean abandoning his role as an educator.

“If somebody asks me what journalism is for me, I would say it is my mission and vocation,” he said. “My journalism is an extension of my classroom. In a classroom there may be only 20 or 50 students, but when I publish or broadcast something, it reaches many more people. It is the continuation of being a teacher.”

Gonsalves said his understanding of public service was shaped significantly by the Second Vatican Council and its emphasis on the role and responsibility of lay people. As a young man, he became increasingly interested in issues that required public scrutiny and critical examination, both within the Church and in wider society.

“I used to say, ‘I have a mission.’ There were many things within the Church and outside it that needed to be examined and cautioned about. That was one of the ways that led me to journalism,” he recalled.

Over the course of his career, Gonsalves has regarded journalism not merely as a profession but as a responsibility to society. He described journalists as having a role comparable to that of prophets, particularly in their obligation to question, inform and point out issues of public concern.

“Journalists are like prophets. They must show the way,” he said. “Journalism seeks the truth, propagates it and defends it. It plays a prophetic role.”

Gonsalves also dedicated the honour to journalists, particularly those in India, who continue to work to seek, report and defend the truth despite the challenges facing the profession.

The Order of St. Sylvester is one of the honours conferred by the Pope on individuals recognised for distinguished service to the Catholic Church and its mission. Gonsalves’ recognition comes after more than five decades of work in journalism, communication and education.

By Catholic Connect Reporter