Welcome Cardinal George Koovakad: The New Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue
Exciting news from the Vatican as Pope Francis appoints Cardinal George Koovakad as the new Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. This Indian-born Cardinal brings a wealth of experience and passion to his new role, which includes organizing the Pope’s Apostolic Journeys.
In a recent interview with Vatican News, Cardinal Koovakad shared his feelings about this appointment and his admiration for his predecessors, Cardinal Ayuso and Cardinal Tauran. He expressed gratitude and humility at the opportunity to lead the Dicastery and continue the important work of fostering relationships with members and groups of religions beyond Christianity.
Cardinal Koovakad, who also serves as the organizer of papal visits, emphasized the importance of interfaith coexistence in his identity as an Indian. He highlighted the rich tradition of interreligious dialogue in India and spoke of the need for openness, sympathy, and respect across different traditions.
One of the key responsibilities of the Dicastery is maintaining relationships with the Islamic world. Cardinal Koovakad noted the historic strides made by previous Popes in engaging with Muslim communities and emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and mutual respect.
As someone deeply involved in organizing Pope Francis’s visits, Cardinal Koovakad reflected on the interreligious dimensions of these journeys. He shared insights from recent trips to Asia and Oceania, highlighting moments of friendship and fraternity with leaders of other faiths.
With a background in Apostolic Nunciatures in Algeria, South Korea, and Iran, Cardinal Koovakad is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of interreligious dialogue. His experience and dedication to building bridges between different faiths make him a valuable addition to the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.
As we look to the future, we can expect Cardinal Koovakad to continue the legacy of his predecessors and work towards a world where religious differences are celebrated and embraced as essential elements of peace and harmony among all peoples.
