KOTTAYAM: Monsignor George Koovakkad, a member of the Changanassery Archdiocese of the Church of Syro-Malabar, has been appointed Cardinal by Pope Francis. He will be ordained in a ceremony on December 8 at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

In a ceremony held at the Vatican, the Pope declared George Koovakkad a cardinal along with 19 others. The 51-year-old has been appointed to the public affairs department at the Vatican's Catholic headquarters. George is the son of Changanassery Mammodu Koovakkad native Jacob and Thresyamma. He was ordained to the priesthood on July 24, 2004, by Bishop Joseph Powathil. He holds a doctorate in Canon Law from Rome.

Started as an assistant vicar in Parel St. Mary's Church, George Koovakkad has been working in the Vatican Diplomatic Office since 2006. Following diplomatic stints in Algeria, South Korea, Iran and Costa Rica, the new assignment reached Monsignor George Koovakkad while he was assuming duty as the State Diplomatic Officer in charge of Pope Francis' foreign travels since 2020.

Retired Major Archbishop George Alencherry is the only current Cardinal in the Syro-Malabar Church. The late Joseph Parecattil, Antony Padiyara and Varkey Vithayathil are the only cardinals from the Syro-Malabar church.