Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad, a 51-year-old priest from Kerala, India, has been elevated to the rank of Cardinal by the Vatican. He is responsible for organizing Pope Francis' international travels since 2020 and joined the Vatican Diplomatic Service in 2006. Koovakad has held various roles in Apostolic Nunciatures in Algeria, South Korea, Iran, Costa Rica, and Venezuela before becoming an official in the Vatican's Secretariat of State. The formal ceremony for the creation of these Cardinals is scheduled for December 8, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Pope Francis Elevates Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad to Cardinal
On October 10, 2023, Pope Francis announced the elevation of Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad to the rank of Cardinal. This prestigious honor is a testament to Koovakad's exceptional service to the Catholic Church.
Background
Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad was born in 1972 in Marangattupalli, Kerala, India. He was ordained a priest in 1999 and joined the Vatican Diplomatic Service in 2006. Koovakad has held various roles in Apostolic Nunciatures in Algeria, South Korea, Iran, Costa Rica, and Venezuela before becoming an official in the Vatican's Secretariat of State.
In 2020, Koovakad was appointed Adjunct Secretary for Relations with States of the Secretariat of State. In this position, he has been responsible for organizing Pope Francis' international travels.
Formal Creation Ceremony
The formal ceremony for the creation of the new Cardinals, including Koovakad, is scheduled for December 8, 2023, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The ceremony will take place at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why was Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad elevated to Cardinal? Answer: Koovakad's elevation to Cardinal recognizes his significant contributions to the Catholic Church, particularly in the area of diplomacy and organizing papal trips.
2. Who are some other candidates who were elevated to Cardinal? Answer: The elevation of Cardinals typically includes both bishops and priests from around the world who have distinguished themselves in their service to the Church. The full list of newly elevated Cardinals will be announced by the Vatican.
3. What is the significance of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in this ceremony? Answer: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a significant Marian feast day that emphasizes the Virgin Mary's freedom from original sin. It is a reminder of the Church's belief in the special role Mary plays in salvation history.
4. What responsibilities does a Cardinal have? Answer: Cardinals serve as advisors to the Pope and have a voice in the election of the next Pope. They also hold important positions within the Vatican and throughout the Church.
5. What are some historical events related to the creation of Cardinals? Answer: The tradition of creating Cardinals dates back to the 11th century. Throughout history, Cardinals have played a pivotal role in Church governance and the selection of papal successors.
A shooting outside the Jewish Museum in Washington, DC has left two staff members of the Israeli Embassy dead, with the suspect identified as Elias Rodriguez. As officials continue to investigate the motive behind the incident, Israel's ambassador to the UN has called it a "depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism" and President Trump has condemned the act of hatred and radicalism. The shooting occurred just steps from the FBI's Washington Field Office.
Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington DC were fatally shot in what police are investigating as an act of anti-semitic terrorism. The suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, was arrested after shouting "Free, free Palestine." The incident has sparked outrage and grief, with the Israeli Embassy calling for justice and faith in law enforcement to protect its representatives and Jewish communities in the United States. US President Donald Trump also condemned the attack, stating that hatred and radicalism have no place in the country.
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In a historic moment for Indian literature, Banu Mushtaq's short story collection, Heart Lamp, translated from Kannada by Deepa Bhasthi, has won the prestigious International Booker Prize of 2025. This marks a major milestone for both the Kannada language and Penguin Random House India, who published the book. The novel explores themes of womanhood, love, and tradition in contemporary South India, making it a universally resonant work. Congratulations have been pouring in from the publishing world, acknowledging the vital role of translation in global literature.
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Vice President JD Vance, joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Rome to discuss ending the war in Ukraine and negotiating a ceasefire. The meeting, which took place after Pope Leo XIV's inaugural mass, comes after the pair's contentious exchange in the Oval Office earlier this year. Zelenskyy called it a "good meeting" and expressed Ukraine's readiness to negotiate with Russia for a ceasefire. This comes after a brief meeting between President Trump and Zelenskyy in Rome after Pope Francis's funeral.
The Indian Army has revealed that Pakistani forces attempted to target the Golden Temple in Punjab's Amritsar following Operation Sindoor, which aimed to dismantle terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Major General Kartik C Seshadri, GOC of 15 Infantry Division, stated that they had anticipated Pakistan's actions and had mobilized additional air defense assets to protect the holy site. Thankfully, due to the alertness and bravery of the Indian army air defense gunners, all drones and missiles were shot down, preventing any harm to the Golden Temple.
In a major revelation, the Indian Army confirmed that Pakistan launched a nuclear-capable Shaheen missile at India during the intense shelling following India's Operation Sindoor. However, India's S-400 defence system successfully intercepted the missile, preventing any potential destruction. The use of Shaheen missile has raised concerns among defence experts, but India's swift and precise response showcases the capabilities of the S-400 system, which has been listed as a serious concern by NATO. The Army also released a dramatic video showcasing parts of Operation Sindoor, India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
International Museum Day (IMD) is celebrated annually on May 18 to promote cultural exchange, understanding, and peace among all nations. The theme for 2025, "The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities", reflects the evolving role of museums in a world of constant change and highlights their potential to connect, innovate, and preserve cultural identity. The recent military escalation between India and Pakistan in May also highlighted the importance of monitoring and fact-checking online content, as governments around the world grapple with the issue of fake news and misinformation.