Since the Catholic Church begins the sacred process of choosing its 267th Pope after the death of Pope Francis on 21 April, four Indian cardinals are among the 133 voters held at Systin Chapel. It is notable for the closing, its unprecedented geographical diversity, underlining India’s growing influence within the global Catholic community.
India’s representation in conclave
Four Indian cardinals are:Cardinal Philip Neri Ferro (72): Archbishop of Goa and Daman, and the federation of the conferences of the Catholic Bishop of India and the conferences of the Asian Bishop. He is recognized for his commitment to the Ministry of Family, Interfaith Dialogue and Social Justice. The Indian ExpressCardinal Baselios Cleimis (64): Major Archbishop-Catholicos of Siro-Malanakara Catholic Church located in Thiruvananthapuram, and President of the Dharm Sabha of Siro-Malankar Church. Today IndiaCardinal Anthony Pula (63): The first Dalit Cardinal in Hyderabad’s Metropolitan Archbishop and Catholic Church symbolizes an important step towards inclusion.Cardinal George Jacob Kovakad (51):Empty Emeritus of Dikastary for mutual communication, emphasizing the commitment of Vatican to promote understanding among various religions.
Closing process
On May 7, the Basilica of St. Peter began with a serious mass, followed by the solitude of the cardinals in the Systine Chapel. Under Michael Angelo’s prestigious frescoes, they will cast secret ballot, requiring a two-third majority-89 votes to choose the new Pope. This process is covered in strict secrecy, with measures such as signal jammers and the oath of privacy to prevent information leaks.
A global church at an intersection
This conclave is most geographically diverse in history, which reflects the expansion of the church beyond its traditional European base. Dinal Giovanani Batista Ray of Cardinal’s college, emphasized the need for unity and love in his Homili, urged the electoral people to choose the pope capable of guiding the church through contemporary challenges.
