Cardinal Poola Anthony Elected First Dalit Head of CBCI

In a historic development for India’s Christian community, Cardinal Poola Anthony, Archbishop of Hyderabad, has been elected president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI). The decision was taken at the 37th general body meeting of the bishops’ body, marking a first in the Church’s history as a Dalit leader assumes its highest collective office.

Historic Election at a Critical Juncture

At 64, “Cardinal Poola Anthony” becomes the first Dalit prelate to lead India’s nearly two crore Catholics. The CBCI described his elevation as significant at a time when the Church is facing social and political pressures. He succeeds “Andrews Thazhathu”, the Archbishop of Thrissur. Church sources indicated that Cardinal Anthony will head delegations engaging authorities on minority rights and religious freedom.

Early Life, Formation and Priesthood

Born on November 15, 1961, in Poluru in the Diocese of Kurnool, Cardinal Anthony began his religious formation at the minor seminary in Nuzvid. He pursued priestly studies at Saint Peter’s Pontifical Seminary in Bengaluru and was ordained a priest on February 20, 1992. Incardinated into the Diocese of Kadapa, he served in multiple pastoral roles, including parish vicar and parish priest, gaining grassroots experience across rural Andhra Pradesh.

Academic Training and Administrative Experience

Between 2001 and 2003, he undertook higher studies in the United States, earning a Master’s degree in pastoral care and studying theology at “Loyola University Chicago”. He later served as Director of the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging and held key diocesan responsibilities in education and administration, strengthening institutional outreach and welfare programmes.

Important Facts for Exams

• CBCI is the apex body of Catholic bishops in India.
• India has nearly two crore Catholics, making it one of Asia’s largest Catholic populations.
• Cardinals are appointed by the Pope and may participate in papal conclaves if eligible.
• Dalit representation in Church leadership has been historically limited.

Rise to National Church Leadership

He was appointed Bishop of Kurnool in 2008 and later named Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad in 2020. In August 2022, “Pope Francis” elevated him to the rank of cardinal. His election as CBCI president is expected to amplify marginalised voices within the Church while guiding India’s Catholic community through pastoral, social and institutional challenges.