Anthony Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad, is also the first Telugu-speaking Cardinal, know his biography
Anthony Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad, now leads the increasing aspirations of a minority of Christians in India — Dalit Christians. Poola has become the country’s first Dalit Cardinal of the Catholic Church.
Who Is Archbishop Anthony Poola India’s First Dalit Cardinal, Age, Biography, Work, News And Life Story
Poola in a recent interview talked about the most problematic issues impacting Christians in the country: attacks on churches and preachers, as well as the illusive Scheduled Caste designation for Dalit Christians. He opposed the first and backed the second.
Anthony Poola, 62, comes from the Andhra Pradesh district of Kurnool. He was the Bishop of Kurnool for almost 12 years before Pope Francis nominated him Archbishop of Hyderabad in 2020.
Pope Francis announced on Sunday that he will elevate 21 churchmen to the rank of Cardinal, including two from India.
Different Reactions About The Appointment
The Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Filipe Neri Antonio Sebastiao di Rosario Ferrao, is the other Indian clergyman to be raised to the rank of Cardinal. In response to the appointment, Anthony described it as “God’s will, which he accepts with humility.” He praised Pope Francis for his confidence.
He stated that his election as a cardinal is an honour for the Telugu area and would strengthen the Church’s confidence in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Anthony Poola’s ascension was celebrated by several organisations, including the Telugu Catholic Bishops’ Council. He is the first Telugu in the history of the Catholic Church to be appointed as Cardinal, the second most important title after Pope.
Dalit campaigners have applauded the nomination of a Dalit as Cardinal. They regard it as an honour and acknowledgement for the oppressed members of society. The result is considered a significant boon for Dalits, who account for more than 60% of Catholic Church members in India.
The number of Cardinals from India has climbed to six with the additions of Anthony Poola and Filipe Neri Antonio. The new Cardinals will formally assume authority on August 27, when the Pope will preside over the consistory, or ritual to elevate churchmen to the rank of cardinal.
The College of Cardinals is made up of 229 cardinals chosen by the Pope himself. They elect the next Pope, serve as his counsellors, and function as papal envoys.
Previous Work Experiences Of Anthony Poola
Anthony Poola was born in Chindukur in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh and attended a minor seminary in Kurnool before enrolling at St. Peter’s pontifical major seminary in Bengaluru.
On February 20, 1992, he was ordained as a priest in Kadapa. He was named Bishop of Kurnool in 2008 after serving in the diocese of Kadapa for almost 16 years.
In November 2020, Pope Francis named Anthony Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Hyderabad, which includes Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medchal, and the neighbouring territories. He was appointed Archbishop of Hyderabad in January of last year, becoming the spiritual leader of millions of Catholics.
Anthony also served as Chairman of the Scheduled Castes/Backward Classes Commission (2008-2015), Chairman of the Telugu Region Youth Commission (2008-2015), Chairman of the AP Social Service Society (2008-2020), and Secretary-General and Treasurer of the Telugu Catholic Bishops Council (2014-2020).