Cardinal Poola Anthony has been elected as the new president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, becoming the first Dalit to lead the apex body of the Catholic Church in the country. The historic election took place during the 37th general body meeting of the CBCI held in Bengaluru on February 7.
The 64-year-old Cardinal, who is currently the Archbishop of Hyderabad, was chosen by bishops from across India who gathered to discuss pastoral, social, and administrative issues facing the Church. His election is being seen as both symbolic and timely, as the Church navigates growing social challenges and concerns over minority rights.
In an official statement, the CBCI said Cardinal Poola Anthony assumes leadership at a crucial time. “With his election as President of the CBCI, Cardinal Poola Anthony brings decades of pastoral experience, administrative leadership, and a deep commitment to faith, justice, and human dignity,” the statement said.
New office bearers were also elected for a two year term. Archbishop Thomas Mar Koorilos of Trivandrum was elected vice president first, Archbishop Mathew Moolakkatt of Kottayam became vice president second, while Archbishop Anil Couto was re-elected as secretary general. The new leadership reflects the diversity of the Church in India, with representation from the Latin, Syro Malankara, and Syro Malabar rites.
The CBCI also expressed gratitude to the outgoing leadership, including Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, Archbishop George Anthonysamy, and Bishop Joseph Mar Thomas, for their service during the previous term.
Church sources said Cardinal Poola Anthony takes charge at a time when the Catholic community is facing increasing pressure. A senior church source noted that attacks on pastors and believers by fringe groups have caused distress, and the new president will play a key role in engaging with authorities on issues of religious freedom and minority rights.
Born on November 15, 1961, in the Diocese of Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh, Poola Anthony’s journey is widely regarded as inspirational. Coming from a poor background, he had to leave school early, but missionaries supported his education. He later studied at the Minor Seminary in Nuzvid and St Peter’s Pontifical Seminary in Bengaluru, and was ordained a priest in 1992.
Over the years, he served in several parishes and also pursued higher studies in the United States, earning a master’s degree in pastoral care while serving in the Archdiocese of Chicago. He returned to India to take up leadership roles in church institutions and social service organisations.
He was appointed Bishop of Kurnool in 2008, became Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad in 2020, and was elevated to the rank of Cardinal by Pope Francis in August 2022.
