Mon Oct 07 20:14:07 UTC 2024: ## Malayali Monsignor Koovakkad Elevated to Cardinal by Pope Francis
**Vatican City:** Monsignor George Jacob Koovakkad, a native of Kerala, India, has been elevated to the prestigious title of Cardinal by Pope Francis. The announcement, made alongside 20 other individuals from various countries, signifies a significant achievement for the Malayali priest.
Koovakkad, who has been coordinating Pope Francis’s overseas tours since 2021, is known for his cheerful demeanor and meticulous organizational skills. He has earned the affectionate nickname “smiling dictator” from the Pope himself, thanks to his ability to manage the pontiff’s busy schedule with a positive attitude.
The new Cardinals, including Koovakkad, will be officially conferred their titles on December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, at the Vatican. This high ecclesiastical rank places them second only to the Pope in the Catholic Church hierarchy.
Koovakkad’s elevation is a testament to his dedication and service to the Church. His work alongside Pope Francis has included managing complex logistics and ensuring the smooth flow of papal visits around the globe. Notably, during a recent tour, Pope Francis surprised Koovakkad by video-calling his ailing grandmother, Sosamma Antony, demonstrating the deep respect and affection the pontiff holds for his longtime collaborator.
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