New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is dispatching a special delegation to attend the ordination ceremony of Malayali-designate Cardinal Mar George Koovakkad. The seven-member team, led by Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurien, will depart for Rome today, Friday. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Vatican on Saturday. Notably, Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh, representing the Mavelikkara Lok Sabha constituency that includes Cardinal Koovakkad's hometown of Changanassery, is the sole opposition member in the delegation.

Kodikunnil expressed that the delegation could have included more opposition members. However, Minister George Kurien explained that the composition follows established precedents. Other members of the delegation include Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Satnam Singh Sandhu, former Union Minister and BJP leader Rajiv Chandrasekhar, BJP National Secretary Anil Antony, former Yuva Morcha National Secretary Anoop Antony, and BJP National Spokesperson Tom Vadakkan.

The group intends to meet Pope Francis during their visit to the Vatican. However, Minister Kurien clarified that discussions regarding the Pope’s potential visit to India are not on the agenda, as the trip’s purpose is ceremonial. Rajiv Chandrasekhar emphasized that this visit represents a moment of pride for the Christian community and for all Indians.