Pope Francis's visit to India likely after Jubilee year 2025, says Union Minister George Kurian

Union Minister George Kurian announces Pope Francis likely to visit India after 2025 Jubilee Year celebration.

Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian on Saturday (December 7, 2024) said the much-awaited visit of Pope Francis to India is likely to happen after 2025, which has been announced as the "Jubilee Year" by the Catholic Church. He noted that India had already invited the Pope officially and Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly extended him the invitation.

The rest of the matters and procedures were to be decided by the Vatican. The visit would be scheduled as per the convenience of Pope Francis, he told to the Asianet channel.

Mr. Kurian was part of the delegation that reached the Vatican to take part in the ordination of Archbishop George Jacob Koovakad as Cardinal by Pope Francis at a function to be held on Saturday (Dec. 7).

Koovakad (51) from Kerala, has been organising Pope Francis International tours since 2020 and will be among the 21 clergies elevated to the rank of Cardinal.

Previously, Koovakad, who held the title of Monsignor, was declared the Titular Archbishop of Nisibis in Turkey.

“The Church is celebrating 2025 as the Jubilee Year of Jesus Christ’s birth. So, the Vatican says that the Pope will be engaged during the next year,” said Mr. Kurian, adding “So, as per the information we received, Pope Francis will visit India after the Jubilee Year. We expect that he will be visiting India at the earliest.”

The Union Minister also said that PM Modi and the Christian community are looking forward to Pope Francis's visit to India.