The 4 Indian Cardinals who will vote at Vatican to elect new pope

4 Indian Cardinals to Help Elect Next Pope: A Historic Moment for the Indian Church

As the Catholic world prepares for the possibility of a new papal election, India is set to play a significant role. Four Indian cardinals will travel to the Vatican to help elect the next Pope. This moment reflects the rising influence of the Indian Church in global Catholicism.

Who Are the 4 Indian Cardinals?

India currently has five living cardinals. However, only four are under the age of 80, which is the age limit for voting in a papal conclave.

1. Cardinal Oswald Gracias (Archbishop of Bombay)

Cardinal Gracias has long been a key figure in the Indian Catholic Church. Notably, he serves on Pope Francis’s Council of Cardinals, offering input on major reforms. Additionally, he is widely respected for promoting interfaith dialogue and steady leadership.

2. Cardinal Anthony Poola (Archbishop of Hyderabad)

Appointed in 2022, Cardinal Poola became the first Dalit cardinal in history. His appointment was a landmark moment for inclusivity in the Church. Coming from a humble background, he represents hope and dignity for India’s marginalized communities.

3. Cardinal George Alencherry (Major Archbishop, Syro-Malabar Church)

As the head of the Syro-Malabar Church, Cardinal Alencherry plays a vital role in preserving Eastern Catholic traditions. Moreover, he consistently advocates for the identity and autonomy of Eastern rite Catholics within the broader Church.

4. Cardinal Baselios Cleemis (Major Archbishop, Syro-Malankara Church)

Cardinal Cleemis leads the Syro-Malankara Church and has previously chaired the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India. Furthermore, he is well known for promoting unity among Christian communities and supporting peaceful coexistence in Indian society.

What Happens During a Papal Election?

When a conclave begins, only cardinals under the age of 80 can vote. These senior Church leaders gather in the Sistine Chapel, where they engage in confidential deliberations. To elect a new Pope, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority.

Previously, European cardinals dominated the conclave. However, the global face of the Church has shifted. Now, voices from Asia, Africa, and Latin America have become increasingly influential.

India’s Growing Role in the Catholic Church

India is home to over 20 million Catholics. These believers belong to three distinct rites: Latin, Syro-Malabar, and Syro-Malankara. Indian Catholics are active in many sectors, including education, social work, and healthcare.

In recent years, the number of Indian cardinals has steadily increased. This reflects the Vatican’s recognition of the Indian Church’s vitality. Furthermore, the growing role of the Global South is reshaping the future of Catholicism.

Why This Matters for Indian Catholics

This moment carries deep significance for India’s Catholic population. Having four voting cardinals shows that the Indian Church holds a respected position on the world stage. These leaders bring perspectives rooted in India’s diversity and complexity.

Importantly, they also advocate for religious minorities and underrepresented communities. As a result, Indian concerns can now be heard at the highest levels of Church leadership.

Could the Next Pope Be Indian?

While no Indian has ever been elected Pope, change is always possible. For example, Pope Francis surprised the world in 2013 by becoming the first non-European Pope in over 1,200 years. Therefore, the idea of an Indian Pope is no longer far-fetched.

Cardinal Gracias, in particular, is often mentioned due to his strong ties within the Vatican. Although the outcome remains uncertain, the presence of Indian cardinals in the conclave adds fresh perspective.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the involvement of four Indian cardinals in choosing the next Pope is a proud and historic moment. It demonstrates the Vatican’s recognition of India’s growing importance in global Catholicism. Whether or not the next Pope comes from India, the country’s voice will undoubtedly be heard during this critical time.