What is significant about Cardinal Anthony Poola's election?

Cardinal Anthony Poola is the first person from the Telugu states to be elected president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India and was also the first Dalit and Telugu cardinal.

What will Cardinal Anthony Poola's role entail as president of the CBCI?

As president, he will lead the coordination of the church's pastoral, social, and evangelising initiatives in India, continuing its work in education, healthcare, and social service.

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First Telugu Cardinal Leads India's Bishops

Q: Who was elected president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India?

Cardinal Anthony Poola, the Archbishop of Hyderabad, was elected president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India.

8 Feb

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Summary

Cardinal Anthony Poola elected president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India.
He is the first person from the Telugu states to hold this top post.
Poola's elevation marks a significant milestone for the Catholic community in India.

First Telugu Cardinal Leads India's Bishops

Cardinal Anthony Poola, the Archbishop of Hyderabad, has been elected president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI). This marks a significant milestone as he is the first individual from the Telugu states to assume this prominent leadership position. His election occurred during the CBCI's general body meeting held in Bengaluru.

Poola's prior service includes being the bishop of Kurnool from 2008 until his appointment as Archbishop of Hyderabad in 2021. He was elevated to the rank of cardinal in 2022, notably becoming the first Dalit and the first Telugu person to receive this honor.

As the new head of the CBCI, Cardinal Poola succeeds Archbishop Andrews Thazhath. His responsibilities will involve guiding the coordination of the church's pastoral, social, and evangelising efforts across India. This leadership comes as the church continues its involvement in crucial sectors like education, healthcare, social service, and nation-building.