Monsignor George Jacob Koovakatt was appointed by Pope as the titular Metropolitan of the Chaldean Diocese of Nisibis. The announcement was made today at 3:30 PM Indian time, simultaneously at the Vatican and in Changanassery. The announcement in Changanassery was made by the Archdiocese's Metropolitan, Mar Joseph Perumthottam, at a ceremony held at the Archdiocesan headquarters.
Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt of the Pala Diocese and Archbishop Mar George Kocherry (Emeritus) extended their congratulations. The ecclesiastical dignitaries presented Monsignor Koovakatt with the episcopal ring and mitre. Mar Joseph Perumthottam adorned Monsignor Koovakatt with the rosary that had been used by the late Mar Joseph Powathil. The Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Dr. Isaac Alencherry, read the letter of appointment, and Fr. James Palakkal offered a vote of thanks. The Diocese of Nisibis, which was once a stronghold of the Chaldean Church in the Middle East, had disappeared due to conflicts in the region.
According to Canon Law, every bishop should have a diocese. However, it is common in the Catholic Church to grant a titular diocese to those bishops who do not have their own diocese, such as auxiliary bishops or those serving in the Curia. A titular diocese refers to a diocese that once existed but later ceased to function due to various reasons. A titular diocese is given to bishops to maintain the importance and dignity of that historic diocese. The Chaldean Archdiocese of Nisibis in Turkey was an ancient archdiocese in the East. Monsignor George Koovakatt has been appointed as the titular Metropolitan of the Chaldean Diocese of Nisibis.
Monsignor George Jacob Koovakatt's episcopal consecration will take place on November 24 at the Changanassery Cathedral Church under the leadership of the Church's head, Mar Raphael Thattil, while the investiture as a Cardinal will be held on December 7 at the Vatican under the leadership of Pope Francis.
Since 2006, Monsignor George Koovakatt has been serving in the Vatican's diplomatic service. He was granted the rank of Prelate in 2020. He has served as a Secretary to Apostolic Nuncios in Algeria, South Korea, Mongolia, Iran, and Costa Rica. In 2020, he was appointed to the section for General Affairs at the central office of the Vatican.
Monsignor George Jacob Koovakatt, the appointed Cardinal, is a member of the Lourdes Matha Parish in Mammood, Changanassery. He was born on August 11, 1973, to parents Koovakattu Jacob and Thresyamma. He was ordained as a priest on July 24, 2004, by Mar Joseph Powathil. He holds a B.Sc. degree from SB College and a Ph.D. in Canon Law from Rome. He has also served as an Assistant Vicar at St. Mary's Church in Parayil.