Union Minister George Kurian announced that Pope Francis’s visit to India is likely to take place after 2025, a year designated as the “Jubilee Year” by the Catholic Church. Speaking on Saturday, Kurian highlighted that the visit would align with the Pope’s availability and would be finalized by the Vatican.
Official Invitation Extended
Kurian mentioned that an official invitation has already been extended to Pope Francis, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally inviting him during the G7 Outreach session held in Italy earlier this year.
“The Church will celebrate 2025 as the Jubilee Year of Jesus Christ’s birth, and the Pope will be occupied throughout the year,” Kurian explained.
The union minister was part of a delegation visiting the Vatican to attend the ordination of Archbishop George Jacob Koovakad as Cardinal by Pope Francis. The ordination, scheduled for Saturday, elevates Koovakad, a native of Kerala, to one of the highest ranks in the Catholic Church.
Koovakad, who has organized the Pope’s international visits since 2020, is among 21 clergy members being elevated to Cardinal. Previously, he held the title of Monsignor and served as the Titular Archbishop of Nisibis in Turkey.
Anticipation for the Visit
Based on information received, Kurian stated, “Pope Francis is expected to visit India after the Jubilee Year. We hope his visit will happen at the earliest.”
The minister emphasized the significance of the visit for India’s Christian community and noted that both Prime Minister Modi and the faithful are eagerly awaiting the Pope’s arrival.
Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City, holds a unique place in history as the first Pope from the Society of Jesus, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European Pope since the 8th century. His anticipated visit to India is expected to strengthen ties between the Vatican and the Indian community.
Goa Minister’s Comments
Earlier, Goa minister Mauvin Godinho hinted that the Pope’s visit might occur sooner than anticipated, though no definitive timeline has been established.
India awaits the historic occasion, which will mark a significant moment for the nation’s Christian population and its relationship with the Vatican.
