India’s Cardinal Koovakad Plays Key Role Ensuring Secrecy, Validity of Conclave Voting

India’s Cardinal Koovakad plays key role ensuring secrecy, validity of conclave voting

Indian Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad of the Syro-Malabar Church, official of the Secretariat of State and organizer of papal trips, was created a cardinal by Pope Francis during the consistory at St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 7, 2024. / Credit: ... [...]

India’s Cardinal Koovakad plays key role in conclave voting

Indian Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad of the Syro-Malabar Church, official of the Secretariat of State and organizer of papal trips, was created a cardinal by Pope Francis during the consistory at St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 7, 2024. / Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA Vatican City, May 8, 2025 / 11:50 am (CNA). India’s Cardinal George Koovakad holds the daily task of drawing the names of nine cardinal electors to serve in special roles before each rou…

India’s Cardinal Koovakad Plays Key Role Ensuring Secrecy, Validity of Conclave Voting

Daniel Ibañez/CNA Indian Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad of the Syro-Malabar Church, official of the Secretariat of State and organizer of papal trips, was created a cardinal by Pope Francis during the consistory at St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 7, 2024. To ensure the secrecy of each vote, scrutineers collect the folded ballot papers from the cardinal electors and place them into a box, which is then shaken several times to mix the ballots.