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The sudden passing of Pope Francis has left many around the world grieving. Known for his humility and compassion, Pope Francis was the most progressive leader the Catholic Church had seen in years. He was open-minded, especially on matters of immigration, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and economic inequality. His messages often centered around kindness and acceptance, and his leadership style made him widely loved.
Before he became pope, Jorge Mario Bergoglio lived a very different life. He worked as a nightclub bouncer, a janitor, and even as a chemical technician. These early experiences shaped him, helping him connect with people from all walks of life. His legacy will be remembered as one rooted in empathy, openness, and care for humanity.
Now, as the Church prepares to choose its next leader, all eyes are on the cardinals who will take part in the papal conclave. Among them is a name that stands out — Cardinal Anthony Poola, India’s first Dalit cardinal.
Born in a small village called Poluru in Andhra Pradesh, Poola’s life began in poverty and discrimination. As a member of the Dalit community that's been historically marginalised by India’s caste system, he faced social stigma from an early age. In past interviews, he has even spoken about being denied a glass to drink water from, simply because of his caste.
Despite these challenges, Poola stayed focused on his education and social work. A Dutch missionary recognised his potential and helped support his studies. Eventually, Poola joined the seminary and was ordained as a priest in 1992. He went on to become Bishop of Kurnool in 2008 and Archbishop of Hyderabad in 2020. In 2022, Pope Francis appointed him as a cardinal, making history in the process.
Poola has always focused on helping the poor and marginalised, especially Dalit and tribal communities. He has worked to improve access to education and has created platforms for young people to express themselves through music and writing. He’s also spoken openly about caste-based inequality, both in Indian society and within the Church.
One of the few cardinals under the age of 80, Cardinal Poola will now help elect the next pope. His presence in the conclave matters; not just because of where he comes from, but because of what he represents: a voice for dignity, equality, and progress.
Joining Cardinal Anthony Poola, are three other Indian cardinals: Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao of Goa, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis of Thiruvananthapuram, and Cardinal George Koovakad, a Vatican official with global experience. Together, they bring diverse voices from India’s Catholic traditions to the decision-making table. As the conclave gathers, many wonder who will be chosen to lead the Church forward. We can only hope that it's someone who will carry forward Pope Francis’s message of unity and peace. And voices like Cardinal Poola’s might just help make that happen.
