Who are the 4 Indians Cardinals to participate at election for next Pope

With the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88, the Vatican has commenced a sacred period of mourning known as Novendiale. Rooted in ancient Roman customs, this nine-day observance is marked by reflection and remembrance, as the Catholic Church honors the late pontiff’s legacy while quietly preparing for the selection of his successor.

Of the 252 cardinals presently in service across the globe, 135 have the right to participate in the upcoming papal election. Among them, four are Indian dignitaries:

Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao (72), Archbishop of Goa and Daman, heads both the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India and the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences.
Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal, Major Archbishop of Trivandrum representing the Syro-Malankara Church.
Cardinal Anthony Poola (63), serving as the Archbishop of Hyderabad.
Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad (51), Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and Cardinal-Deacon of S. Antonio di Padova.

On Easter Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell—Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber—formally declared the pope’s death, expressing profound grief and appreciation for a life spent championing Gospel values and uplifting the vulnerable.

After this mourning phase concludes, the College of Cardinals will enter the Sistine Chapel for the conclave. The world will await the signal: black smoke for indecision, white smoke for a new pope.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, led the Church with humility and reform since 2013.

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