The College of Cardinals, which will elect the next head of the Roman Catholic Church, will include four Cardinals from India, with one of them being a Dalit. Archbishop Anthony Poola of Hyderabad is among the 138 cardinals eligible to vote for the next Pope.
The other three Cardinals from India are Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, and Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad.
Anthony Poola, 62, hails from Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh. He was appointed as Cardinal-Priest of Ss. Protomartiri a Via Aurelia Antica by Pope Francis on August 27, 2022. His appointment made him not only the only Telugu person but also the only Dalit to join the College of Cardinals, the body that advises the Pope on various church matters. He also holds veto power within the Church and has had direct contact with the late Pope.
A Symbol of Hope for Dalit Christians
Poola’s elevation to Cardinal is a historic moment, particularly for Dalit Christians, as it challenges the oppression faced by the marginalized community in the Catholic Church. Having led the Diocese of Kurnool for over 12 years, he was appointed Archbishop of Hyderabad by Pope Francis in 2020. His rise is seen as a breakthrough in the ongoing struggle against caste-based discrimination.
Speaking to the National Catholic Register and The Quint after his appointment, Poola highlighted his position as an opportunity to advocate for the inclusion of Dalit Christians in the Scheduled Caste category.
“We see his elevation as a chance to address deep-seated issues like untouchability in the Church,” said Franklin Caesar Thomas, coordinator of the National Council of Dalit Christians. “We expect him to work towards eliminating practices like separate cemeteries and burials, which have been upheld by the dominant caste clergy for generations. Most importantly, we hope he will be a strong advocate for the Scheduled Caste status for Dalit Christians.”
The Struggle for Scheduled Caste Status for Dalit Christians
Dalit Christians are still fighting for recognition in the Scheduled Caste category under India’s Constitution. The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, currently excludes Dalit Christians and Muslims, despite their history of oppression and marginalization. Dalit Sikhs were included in 1956, and Dalit Buddhists in 1990, but Dalit Christians and Muslims continue their fight for similar recognition.
Poola’s rise to Cardinal has given fresh hope to Dalit Christians, with many viewing it as a step forward in the long battle for justice and equality within the Church.
