Cardinal Poola Anthony Elected First Dalit Head of CBCI in Historic Milestone for India’s Catholic Church

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Cardinal Poola Anthony, the Archbishop of Hyderabad, has been chosen as the new president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), marking a milestone for India’s Christian community. The decision was announced during the bishops’ 37th general body assembly, making him the first Dalit leader to head the country’s top Catholic institution.

A Landmark Appointment

At 64 years old, Cardinal Anthony now leads a body that represents nearly two crore Catholics across India. Church officials described his selection as highly significant, especially as the Church navigates evolving social and political challenges. He succeeds Archbishop Andrews Thazhathu of Thrissur in the role. Sources within the Church say he is expected to represent the bishops’ conference in dialogues with government authorities, particularly on issues concerning minority welfare and religious freedoms.

Background and Pastoral Roots

Born on November 15, 1961, in Poluru village in the Kurnool diocese, Anthony began his early religious education at the minor seminary in Nuzvid. He later completed his priestly formation at Saint Peter’s Pontifical Seminary in Bengaluru and was ordained on February 20, 1992. As a priest of the Diocese of Kadapa, he served in several grassroots pastoral assignments, including parish vicar and parish priest, working closely with rural communities in Andhra Pradesh.

Education and Leadership Experience

From 2001 to 2003, he pursued advanced studies in the United States, earning a Master’s degree in pastoral care and undertaking theological training at Loyola University Chicago. On returning to India, he held leadership roles in social service and diocesan administration, including serving as Director of the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging. He became Bishop of Kurnool in 2008 and was later appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad in 2020. In August 2022, Pope Francis elevated him to the College of Cardinals. Observers believe his new role as CBCI president will help strengthen outreach to marginalised communities while guiding the Church through contemporary pastoral and institutional priorities.

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