New Delhi/Vatican: The Catholic world is in mourning following the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed the news early Monday through the Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell. The passing of the Pope sets in motion preparations for a conclave, a secret meeting where cardinals will choose a new leader for the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics. Among the cardinal electors are four from India, including two from Kerala, the ANI reported. The conclave follows ancient traditions: rounds of voting, sealed deliberations, and the dramatic signal of smoke—black for no decision, white for a new pope. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the secretive election held in the Sistine Chapel. But amidst the grandeur and solemnity of this age-old process, speculation is already brewing: Could the next Pope be from India?
India’s Four Eligible Cardinals: Diverse, Distinguished, and Devoted
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao: The Patriarch of Goa
At 72, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao serves as the Archbishop of Goa and Daman and the seventh Patriarch of the East Indies. His decades-long ministry has focused on social justice, family outreach, and interreligious harmony. Elevated to cardinal in August 2022, Ferrao represents a blend of pastoral care and diplomatic acumen. His advocacy on migration and climate change resonates with global challenges, making him a well-rounded candidate.
Cardinal Baselios Cleemis: The Syro-Malankara Visionary
Born Isaac Thottumkal, the 64-year-old Major Archbishop of Trivandrum leads the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. A cardinal since 2012, Baselios Cleemis is admired for his theological depth and leadership in India’s eastern rite churches. His ecumenical approach and command over inter-church dialogue have earned him international recognition—qualities the Church may prioritize in a deeply divided world.
Cardinal Anthony Poola: A Symbol of Inclusivity
Cardinal Poola, 63, made history as India’s first Dalit cardinal. Currently serving as the Archbishop of Hyderabad, he is a strong voice for social equity and child welfare. His elevation was seen as a powerful gesture against caste-based exclusion. If the Church seeks a pope with a vision rooted in compassion and justice, Poola’s profile fits remarkably well.
Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad: The Diplomat
At just 51, Cardinal Koovakad is the youngest among the Indian cardinals but perhaps the most globally connected. A seasoned Vatican diplomat from Kerala and a member of the Syro-Malabar Church, he played a key role in organizing Pope Francis’s overseas visits. Now the head of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, his recent promotion to cardinal in December 2024 has already made him a rising star in Vatican circles.
While the election of an Indian pope remains a distant possibility, never before has India had such a strong and diverse bench of cardinals in the papal conclave. From theological scholarship to diplomatic prowess, and from grassroots justice to ancient church traditions, the four Indian cardinals bring a potent mix of experience and vision.
As the world awaits the white smoke from the Sistine Chapel, eyes will also be on India—watching not just who they vote for, but perhaps, who among them may be voted for.
