Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad, a 51-year-old priest from Kerala, has been elevated to the rank of cardinal, as announced by the Church on Sunday. Since 2020, Msgr. Koovakad has played a vital role in organising Pope Francis’ international travels and is currently based in the Vatican, representing the Syro-Malabar Archdiocese of Changanacherry.
The formal ceremony for the creation of the new cardinals is set to take place on December 8, coinciding with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, as outlined in a statement from the Church.
Born on August 11, 1973, in Thiruvananthapuram, Koovakad was ordained a priest on July 24, 2004. Following his ordination, he pursued advanced training for diplomatic service at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy.
In 2006, Msgr. Koovakad joined the Vatican Diplomatic Service, marking the beginning of his career at the Apostolic Nunciature in Algeria. Over the years, he has served in several significant roles across various countries.
His positions have included Secretary of the Nunciature in South Korea from 2009 to 2012 and in Iran from 2012 to 2014. Additionally, he worked as a Counsellor at the Nunciatures in Costa Rica from 2014 to 2018 and in Venezuela from 2018 to 2020.
Currently, Koovakad serves as an official in the Vatican’s Secretariat of State, where he oversees the Holy Father’s travels.