Overview
- Bishops elected Poola on February 7 during the CBCI’s 37th general body meeting at St. John’s Medical College in Bengaluru, with the vote conducted by secret ballot.
- The meeting ran under the theme “Faith and the Nation: The Church’s Witness to India’s Constitutional Vision,” framing the Church’s public role and constitutional commitments.
- Archbishop Thomas Mar Koorilos was chosen as first vice president, Archbishop Mathew Moolakkatt as second vice president, and Archbishop Anil Couto was re-elected secretary general for two-year terms reflecting the Church’s three rites.
- CBCI’s statement called this a crucial moment for the Church, while church sources said Poola is expected to lead delegations engaging authorities on minority rights following reports from clergy of attacks by fringe groups.
- Poola, the Archbishop of Hyderabad elevated to cardinal in 2022, pledged humble service and greater unity in his message and succeeds Archbishop Andrews Thazhath as conference president.