Hyderabad Archbishop Poola Anthony becomes the first Telugu, first Dalit Cardinal ever

The Archbishop of Hyderabad, Poola Anthony, was made a cardinal by Pope Francis at the consistory on August 27, 2022.

A cardinal is the highest ranking member of the clergy of the catholic church after the Pope and holds the title for life.

First Telugu and First Dalit Cardinal Poola Anthony
© Liturgy TV, CC BY 3.0

Born in Kurnool, Poola Anthony is the first Telugu and first Dalit person to have ever been made a cardinal.

Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Filipe Neri Ferrao, was also made a cardinal, taking the number of cardinals from India to six.

© Fredericknoronha, CC BY-SA 4.0

The two new cardinals from India are also cardinal electors, as they are aged under 80 and can vote at a papal conclave.

Cardinal Poola Anthony is 60, and Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao is 69.

In May, Pope Francis decided to create 20 cardinals at the consistory on August 27. Sixteen of the new cardinals are electors.