Pope Francis death: THESE 4 Indian will vote for the new Pope, they are from…, names are…
Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church, known for his humility, compassion for the poor, and kind-hearted nature, passed away on Monday at the age of 88. He left a lasting mark on the world as a gentle and deeply caring Pope. Following his death, a week-long mourning process has begun in Vatican City, where people will be able to pay their final respects. The farewell will start with Vatican officials gathering at the Saint Martha Chapel, followed by public homage at St. Peter’s Basilica. Meanwhile, preparations to elect the next Pope are also underway.
Pope Francis had been battling health issues for a long time. He had a lung condition, and part of one of his lungs had been removed during surgery in his youth. On February 14, 2025, he was admitted to Gemelli Hospital due to breathing difficulties. His condition worsened into double pneumonia, and he remained hospitalized for 38 days — the longest hospital stay of his 12-year papacy. Despite his illness, just a day before his passing, on Easter Sunday, he appeared at St. Peter’s Square to bless the crowd.
How is a new Pope elected?
When a Pope passes away—or in rare cases, like that of Pope Benedict XVI, resigns—the Vatican begins the process of electing a new spiritual leader through what is known as a Papal Conclave. This conclave brings together the College of Cardinals, who are responsible for selecting the next head of the Catholic Church.
As of January 22, 2025, out of 252 total cardinals, only 138 are eligible to vote. According to the rules, only cardinals under the age of 80 can participate in this election, which is held in strict secrecy inside the Sistine Chapel.
Around 120 voting cardinals write the name of their chosen candidate on a ballot and place it into a special chalice. If no candidate receives the required two-thirds majority, the voting process continues with up to four rounds per day until a new Pope is chosen.
Which Indian cardinals will vote in the Papal Election?
According to a News18 report, India currently has six cardinals. Out of these, only four are under the age limit and thus eligible to vote. These include:
- Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao
- Cardinal Cleemis Baselios
- Cardinal Anthony Poola
- Cardinal George Alencherry
Cardinals Oswald Gracias and George Jacob Koorilose, being 80 or older, are not eligible to participate in the voting process.
Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, 51, serves as the Cardinal-Deacon of S. Antonio di Padova a Circonvallazione Appia and also leads the Vatican’s office for Interreligious Dialogue.
Cardinal Filipe Neri Antonio Sebastião do Rosário Ferrão, 72, is the Archbishop of Goa and Daman in India. He also heads the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India and the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences.
Cardinal Anthony Poola, 63, is the Archbishop of Hyderabad.
Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal is the Major Archbishop of Trivandrum for the Syro-Malankara Church in India and leads its Synod.
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