New Delhi [India], October 7 (ANI): The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) congratulated Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad on his appointment as a Cardinal by His Holiness Pope Francis, announced on October 6, 2024, a press release said on Monday.

Monsignor Koovakad, a dedicated and accomplished priest of the Syro-Malabar Archdiocese of Changanacherry, Kerala, has been serving the Vatican and the global Church, the release added.

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According to the release, Monsignor Koovakad (51), has held significant diplomatic positions within the Holy See. He joined the Vatican Diplomatic Service in 2006, after completing his formation at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy. He has served in several Apostolic Nunciatures. Since 2020, he has been entrusted with the important task of organising Pope Francis' international travels as part of the Vatican's Secretariat of State.

Born in Thiruvananthapuram on August 11, 1973, Monsignor Koovakad was ordained a priest on July 24, 2004, by Archbishop Joseph Powathil. A distinguished scholar, he holds a doctorate in Canon Law from Rome and has served in several pastoral roles before joining the Vatican diplomatic service, the release said.

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The CBCI rejoices in this remarkable achievement and prays for Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad as he prepares to take on this new responsibility in service to the Church. The formal installation ceremony will take place on December 8, 2024, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the release added further. (ANI)

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