Hyderabad: Pope Francis has named Anthony Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad, and Filipe Neri FerrĆ£o, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, as the Cardinals. Pope Francis announced 21 Cardinals on Sunday. They represent the Church worldwide and reflect a wide variety of cultures, contexts, and pastoral ministries. Eight of the newly named Cardinals are from Europe, six from Asia, two from Africa, one from North America, and four from Central and Latin America.
"It is a proud moment for the Archdiocese of Hyderabad and to Telugu, States to hear the News that Most Rev Dr. Poola Anthony has been chosen as Cardinal by His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican today. On behalf of all the Clergy, Religious and the Faithful, we congratulate His Eminence Most Rev. Dr. Poola Anthony and assure him of our Prayers," the Archdiocese of Hyderabad said in a statement.
It is pertinent to note that the elevation of Archbishop Poola Anthony, marks the first Dalit bishop to be named a cardinal in history. After the Regina Coeli on Sunday- 29th May, Pope Francis said that on Saturday, 27 August, he will hold a Consistory for the creation of new cardinals.
He also said that he will meet during the next two days - on Monday and Tuesday, 29-30 August - with all the cardinals to reflect on the new Apostolic Constitution Predicate Evangelium.