Cardinal Poola Anthony, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad, has assumed the highest leadership responsibility of the Indian Catholic community after being elected as the new President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI). This significant decision was made during the 37th General Assembly held today. With decades of pastoral service and administrative experience, he is now set to lead the Church at the national level.
Early Life and Education
Born on November 15, 1961, in Poluru village of the Kurnool Diocese, Cardinal Poola Anthony completed his religious education at St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary in Bengaluru. He was ordained as a priest in 1992 and served in various parishes within the Kadapa Diocese.
Academic and Social Contributions
Beyond his religious duties, he earned a Master’s degree in Theology from Loyola University Chicago, USA, gaining global academic exposure. His career is also marked by significant contributions to education and social service. He has served as:
- Director of the ‘Christian Foundation for Children and Aging’.
- Education Secretary for the Kadapa Diocese.
Rise to Leadership
In 2008, he was appointed as the Bishop of Kurnool, and in 2020, he was elevated to the position of Archbishop of Hyderabad. Recognizing his selfless service, Pope Francis elevated him to the rank of Cardinal in 2022.
With a steadfast commitment to faith and the protection of human dignity, the Indian Catholic Church is expected to grow stronger under his visionary leadership.
