Pope Francis

2024 - 10 - 7

Pope Francis' New Cardinal Crew: All Aboard the Holy Express!

Cardinals - Israel-Hamas War - Kerala - Middle East conflict - Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad - Peace in the world - Pope Francis - Vatican

Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad is ready to rock the Vatican with new cardinals! Catch the story behind the Pope's biggest promotion yet!

In a momentous announcement that will be making headlines around the world, Pope Francis has unveiled plans to create not just a few, but 21 new cardinals in a spectacular consistory on December 8, 2024. Among the newly elevated is Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad from Kerala, who is set to take on the significant role of organizing the papal travels. Talk about a Kerala twist to the papal drama! This marks the single largest intake of new cardinals in the 11 years of Pope Francis' papacy, illustrating his commitment to a more diverse and global Catholic Church.

During his weekly prayer session, the Pope shared the news with palpable excitement, reminding us that this is not just a selection of names but a global Church transformation. Each of these prelates comes from various corners of the world, with backgrounds that will enrich the fabric of the College of Cardinals. Among them, Bishop Mykola Bychok, leader of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Australia, was named in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Pope's global perspective reflects not only the challenges we face but also the communal support we need in these trying times.

As Monsignor Koovakad is poised to handle the logistics of the Pope's travels, no doubt he'll be adding a sprinkle of South Indian hospitality into the mix! While we can't be sure if the papal entourage will make a stop for dosas, there's a good chance this intrepid priest will bring a taste of Kerala to the Vatican, making sure the Holy See runs smoothly while indulging in fine cuisine.

As we look forward to the consistory, it's interesting to note that the Catholic church is now gaining a fresh flavor with these new appointments, forging paths toward intercontinental conversations and unity. This remarkable group of leaders is not just set to become critical voices in the church—they may also lead us all toward unexpected collaborations. One thing's for sure: the next chapter in the Catholic Church will be as vibrant and dynamic as ever!

Kerala priest Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad elevated to ... (The Hindu)

Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad, a priest from Kerala, elevated to cardinal and organizes Pope Francis' travels.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Pope Francis enlarges college of cardinals with 21 new appointments (The Guardian)

Prelates to receive red hats at December consistory in largest intake of electors during pontiff's 11-year tenure.

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Image courtesy of "Vatican News"

Pope Francis announces Consistory for creation of 21 new Cardinals (Vatican News)

Pope Francis announces a consistory for the creation of 21 new Cardinals from around the world to be held in the Vatican on 8 December 2024.

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Image courtesy of "Hindustan Times"

Pope Francis to appoint 21 new cardinals on Dec. 8 (Hindustan Times)

The ceremony to install the new appointees, known as a consistory, will be held on December 8, the 87-year-old pope announced during his weekly noon-time prayer ...

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Image courtesy of "Euronews"

Pope Francis names 21 new cardinals, including one from Ukraine (Euronews)

The pope named the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Australia, Bishop Mykola Bychok, in recognition of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

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Image courtesy of "NPR"

Pope names 21 new cardinals, increasing pool who will one day ... (NPR)

Pope Francis named 21 new cardinals Sunday, significantly increasing the size of the College of Cardinals who will one day elect his successor.

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Image courtesy of "Globalnews.ca"

Pope Francis names 21 new cardinals, including Archbishop of ... (Globalnews.ca)

The Pope significantly increased the size of the College of Cardinals with Sunday's appointments, further cementing his mark on the group of prelates.

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Image courtesy of "La Croix International"

Who are the 21 new cardinals chosen by Pope Francis? (La Croix International)

During his Sunday Angelus address October 6, Pope Francis announced the creation of 21 new cardinals. The balance of power within the College of Cardinals ...

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Image courtesy of "The Hindu"

Pope Francis slams 'shameful' failure of diplomacy in Mideast (The Hindu)

Pope Francis criticizes world powers for failing to end Middle East conflict, calls for dialogue and peace.

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Image courtesy of "America Magazine"

Pope Francis to Catholics in the Middle East: Thank you for being ... (America Magazine)

In a letter on the anniversary of the October 7 attacks in the Middle East, Pope Francis calls for an end to conflict and a dialogue of peace.

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Image courtesy of "Vatican News"

Pope Francis leads Rosary prayer for peace for 'world in danger' (Vatican News)

Pope Francis leads the recitation of a Rosary for peace at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, and prays that violence and hatred may be extinguished from ...

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Image courtesy of "Reuters"

Pope Francis slams world's 'shameful inability' to stop Israel-Hamas ... (Reuters)

Pope Francis criticised on Monday what he called the "shameful inability" of the international community to end the war in the Middle East, one year after ...

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Image courtesy of "National Catholic Register"

Pope Francis Prays Rosary for Peace on Eve of First Anniversary of ... (National Catholic Register)

Rome's largest Marian basilica was packed for the Rosary prayer on Oct. 6 with bishops, cardinals, priests, religious sisters and laypeople.

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Image courtesy of "Catholic News Agency"

Pope Francis: 'Prayer and fasting are the weapons of love that ... (Catholic News Agency)

In his letter to Catholics in the Middle East, the Holy Father expressed his closeness with those “who dwell in the lands of which the Scriptures speak most ...

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Image courtesy of "Independent Catholic News"

Pope Francis leads Rosary for peace for 'world in danger' | ICN (Independent Catholic News)

Pope Francis led the recitation of a Rosary for peace this evening, at the Basilica of St Mary Major, and prayed that violence and hatred may be ...

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Image courtesy of "Deccan Herald"

Pope Francis slams world's 'shameful inability' to stop Israel-Hamas ... (Deccan Herald)

Francis, has spoken more openly in recent weeks about the Hamas-Israel conflict, and has become more vocal in his criticism of Israel's military campaign.

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Image courtesy of "National Catholic Register"

Pope Francis: 'Prayer and Fasting are the Weapons of Love that ... (National Catholic Register)

In his letter, the Holy Father expressed his closeness with those “who dwell in the lands of which the Scriptures speak most often,” suffering as a result ...

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Image courtesy of "The Jerusalem Post"

Pope Francis marks year of Israel-Hamas war with call for prayer, fast (The Jerusalem Post)

Last year, before the massacre, Pope Francis urged Israelis and Palestinians to foster a "climate of trust."

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Image courtesy of "USCCB"

Powerful impose war on others, world shows indifference, pope says (USCCB)

On the anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war, Pope Francis urges Christians to be peacemakers, condemns the escalating violence in the Middle East and warns ...

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