കർദ്ദിനാൾ ആന്റണി പൂളയെ കാത്തലിക് ബിഷപ്പ്സ് കോൺഫറൻസ് ഓഫ് ഇന്ത്യയുടെ (സിബിസിഐ) പുതിയ പ്രസിഡന്റായി തിരഞ്ഞെടുത്തു
എറണാകുളം, ഫെബ്രുവരി 7, 2026: ആർച്ച് ബിഷപ്പ്സ് കോൺഫറൻസ് ഓഫ് ഇന്ത്യയുടെ (സിബിസിഐ) പുതിയ പ്രസിഡന്റായി കർദ്ദിനാൾ ആന്റണി പൂള തിരഞ്ഞെടുക്കപ്പെട്ടു, ആർച്ച് ബിഷപ്പ് ആൻഡ്രൂസ് താഴത്തിന്റെ പിൻഗാമിയായി. ബെംഗളൂരുവിലെ സെന്റ് ജോൺസ് മെഡിക്കൽ കോളേജിൽ നടന്നുകൊണ്ടിരിക്കുന്ന സിബിസിഐയുടെ പൊതുസമ്മേളനത്തിനിടെ വെള്ളിയാഴ്ചയാണ് തിരഞ്ഞെടുപ്പ് നടന്നത്.
സഭയും രാജ്യവും നേരിടുന്ന സാമൂഹിക, അജപാലന, ഭരണഘടനാ വെല്ലുവിളികളുടെ ഒരു കാലഘട്ടത്തിലാണ് ഹൈദരാബാദ് ആർച്ച് ബിഷപ്പായ കർദ്ദിനാൾ പൂള ഇന്ത്യയിലെ കത്തോലിക്കാ ബിഷപ്പുമാരുടെ പരമോന്നത സമിതിയുടെ നേതൃത്വം ഏറ്റെടുക്കുന്നത്. തുടർച്ചയും പുതുക്കിയ അജപാലന ദർശനവും പ്രതിഫലിപ്പിക്കുന്ന അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ തിരഞ്ഞെടുപ്പ് ഇന്ത്യൻ സഭയ്ക്ക് ഒരു സുപ്രധാന നിമിഷമാണ്.
വിശ്വാസം, ദൗത്യം, സാമൂഹിക ഉത്തരവാദിത്തം, സമകാലിക ഇന്ത്യയിൽ സഭയുടെ പങ്ക് എന്നിവയുമായി ബന്ധപ്പെട്ട വിഷയങ്ങളിൽ ചർച്ചകൾക്കായി രാജ്യമെമ്പാടുമുള്ള ബിഷപ്പുമാരെ പൊതുസഭ ഒരുമിച്ച് കൊണ്ടുവന്നു. പുതിയ പ്രസിഡന്റിന്റെ തിരഞ്ഞെടുപ്പ് അസംബ്ലിയുടെ പ്രധാന തീരുമാനങ്ങളിലൊന്നായിരുന്നു.
സിബിസിഐ പ്രസിഡന്റ് എന്ന നിലയിൽ കാലാവധി പൂർത്തിയാക്കിയ ആർച്ച് ബിഷപ്പ് ആൻഡ്രൂസ് താഴത്തിനെ, പ്രത്യേകിച്ച് മതസ്വാതന്ത്ര്യം, സാമൂഹിക ധ്രുവീകരണം, ആഴത്തിലുള്ള മതാന്തര ഇടപെടലിന്റെ ആവശ്യകത എന്നിവയെക്കുറിച്ചുള്ള വർദ്ധിച്ചുവരുന്ന ആശങ്കകൾ നിറഞ്ഞ ഒരു കാലഘട്ടത്തിൽ, അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ സ്ഥിരമായ നേതൃത്വത്തിന് അസംബ്ലി അംഗീകാരം നൽകി. ഭരണഘടനാ മൂല്യങ്ങൾ, സംഭാഷണം, ഇന്ത്യയിലെ സഭകൾക്കിടയിലെ ഐക്യം എന്നിവയിൽ അദ്ദേഹം നൽകിയ ഊന്നലിന് നിരവധി ബിഷപ്പുമാർ നന്ദി പറഞ്ഞു.
പാസ്റ്ററൽ സംവേദനക്ഷമത, സാമൂഹിക നീതിയോടുള്ള പ്രതിബദ്ധത, പാർശ്വവൽക്കരിക്കപ്പെട്ടവർക്കുവേണ്ടിയുള്ള വാദം എന്നിവയിലൂടെ കർദ്ദിനാൾ പൂളയെ പരക്കെ ബഹുമാനിക്കുന്നു. ഇന്ത്യയിലെ ആദ്യത്തെ ദലിത് കർദ്ദിനാൾ എന്ന നിലയിൽ, അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ നേതൃത്വം ശക്തമായ പ്രതീകാത്മകവും പാസ്റ്ററൽ പ്രാധാന്യവും വഹിക്കുന്നു, പ്രത്യേകിച്ച് എല്ലാവരെയും ഉൾക്കൊള്ളുന്നതും സിനഡൽ സഭയ്ക്കും.
ഭാരവാഹികൾക്കായുള്ള തിരഞ്ഞെടുപ്പ് ഇന്നും നടക്കുന്നു. ഫലങ്ങൾ ഉടൻ അപ്ഡേറ്റ് ചെയ്യും.
ഇന്ത്യൻ സഭ സേവനം, അനുരഞ്ജനം, രാഷ്ട്രനിർമ്മാണ ദൗത്യം തുടരുന്നതിനാൽ, വരും വർഷങ്ങളിൽ പാസ്റ്ററൽ മുൻഗണനകളും പൊതു ഇടപെടലും രൂപപ്പെടുത്തുന്നതിൽ പുതിയ സിബിസിഐ പ്രസിഡന്റ് കോൺഫറൻസിനെ നയിക്കും.
About Cardinal Poola Anthony
Date of Birth
15th November, 1961
Place of Birth
Chindhukur Village, Poluru Parish, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh
Parents
Late. Mr. P. C. Anthony & Late Mrs. Arogyamma.
Secular Studies
Elementary School : Z. P. School, Chindhukur, Kurnool (1967 – 1972).
Upper Primary : Z. P. High School, Gadivemula, Kurnool (1972 – 1975).
High School : St. Mary’s High School, Kurnool (1977 – 1979).
Call to Priesthood – Studies during Seminary Formation:
His Grace discerned his vocation to Priesthood and responding to the call of God joined the Seminary in 1979.
The following are the details of his studies during his Seminary Formation:
Minor Seminary at St. Pius X Seminary, Kurnool (1979 – 1980).
Intermediate Course at Coles Memorial College, Kurnool (1980 – 1982).
University B.Com at S.T.B.C. College, Prakash Nagar, Kurnool (1982 – 1985).
Spirituality Course at St. Paul’s Seminary, Nuzvid (1985 – 1986).
Philosophical Studies at St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bangalore (1986 –1987).
Regency at St. Joseph’s Junior College, Cuddapah (1987 – 1988).
Theological Studies at St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bangalore (1988 – 1992).
He was ordained Priest for the Diocese of Cuddapah on 20th February, 1992 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Mariapuram, Cuddapah by Late Most Rev. Dr. S. A. Arulaiah.
Ministry in the Diocese of Cuddapah in various capacities
Assistant Parish Priest at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Maria Puram, Kadapa (1992- 1993)
Assistant Parish Priest at Amagampalli (1993-1994).
Parish Priest at Tekurpet, Correspondent of RCM Elementary Schools, Chinayarasala & Kappalapalli (1994-1995).
Parish Priest of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Badvel, Director – St. Thomas Boarding Home, Badvel (1995-2000).
Parish Priest of Holy Cross Church, Veerapally Correspondent, RCM UP School, Veerapally & Konasamudram, Director – Vander Valk Boy’s Boarding Home (2000-2001).
Ministry Abroad
Resident Priest at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, St. Joseph, Kalamazoo Diocese, U.S.A. (2001- 2002) and
Associate Pastor at St. Genevieve Catholic Church, Archdiocese of Chicago (2002-2003).
Ecclesiastical Studies
CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Department of Pastoral Care and Education, Kalamazoo, U.S.A (2001–2002).
A Course on Religion & Theological Engagement at Loyola University, Chicago, IL U.S.A (2002-2003).
Offices held as a Priest
Coordinator for CFCA – Secretary for Education Society, Deputy Manager, RCM Schools, Diocese of Cuddapah and Editor of CFCA Samachara Lekha (2003).
Languages Known
Telugu, English, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada & Italian.
Appointment of Bishop of Kurnool
The announcement of His Grace as Bishop of Kurnool was made public on 08th February, 2008. He was appointed by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. At the age of 46 his Episcopal Consecration as the Fourth Bishop of Kurnool took place on 19th April, 2008 at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral, Kurnool.
His Motto and Vision for the Diocese of Kurnool
Motto: His Main Motto: ‘Good News to the Poor’.
Education: No child should be deprived of education because of poverty. He gave priority for providing Basic Education and also Higher Education to all and specially to the Catholic children and to the poor. Gave scholarships to the poor, which is very much appreciated.
Panchasutra: He also promoted ‘Panchasutra’ for the all-round development of the Kurnool Diocese and they are:
Bible in each family in the Diocese
Renewal of the families based on the encyclical of Pope Francis “Joy of Love”
Catechism in all the parishes, schools and boarding homes, especially after Sunday mass and week days in the schools.
Ooru Gudi Nidhi & Vicharana Salaha Sangalu
‘Intinta Bharathamithram’ (promotion of Bharathamithram)
Produced Telugu Devotional Audio Cassettes, writes Lyrics, composes Songs, etc.:
Bishop Most Rev. Dr. Poola Anthony produced Telugu Devotional Audio Cassettes, writes Lyrics in Telugu, Composes Songs, conducts Choir, etc. He produced the following Telugu Devotional Audio Cassettes, namely, “Sneha Sravanthi”, “Divya Kanthi”, “Saraagam”, “Jeevanaraagam”, “Neeraajanam” “Amrutha Varshini”, “Swara Kamalam”, “Swarabhishekam”, “Raaga Veena”, “Swaranidhi”, “Yuva Spandana”, “Pasidi Kiranaalu” etc.
‘Kurnool Vani’ – Diocesan News Letter
He took keen interest to improve the quality of Kurnool Diocesan Newsletter in its shape and content.
Erection of 11 New Parishes
As Bishop of Kurnool he erected the following new 11 Parishes: Gadivemula,Gundampadu, Kanalapalli, Manchalakatta, Maseedupuram, Nannuru , Pedda Kaduburu, Sambagallu, Uppalapadu, Virupapuram, Durveshi&Koratamaddi( one).
Erection of 03 New Quasi-Parishes
As Bishop of Kurnool, he erected the following new 03 Quasi-Parishes: St. Francis Xavier Jeevasudha Pastoral Centre, Venkayapally. Don Bosco, Pasupula. Kalluru Mary Matha, Kurnool
SACERDOTAL SILVER JUBILEE (25TH ANNIVERSARY OF PRIESTHOOD) CELEBRATIONS AND GOLDEN JUBILEE OF THE ERECTION OF THE DIOCESE OF KURNOOL ON 08 TH JANUARY, 2017
2017 was a special year of grace for Most Rev. Dr. Poola Anthony as he completed 25 years of joyful and fruitful ministry in the, vineyard of the Lord as a Priest. The Diocese of Kurnool celebrated this joyful moment thanking God for the gift of 25 Years of Priestly ministry of Bishop Most Rev. Dr. Poola Anthony. In the Diocese of Kurnool, it was twin celebrations both his Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee and also Golden Jubilee of the erection of the Diocese of Kurnool at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral, Kurnool on 08th January, 2017. These twin celebrations were celebrated very meaningfully and in a prayerful atmosphere. Archbishops & Bishops from Two Telugu States and also other States, Clergy, Religious and Faithful participated in large numbers in these Twin Celebrations.
Organized Regional Level Youth Convention in 2015 at Premagiri, Kurnool
In May 2015 he organized Regional Level Youth Convention at Premagiri, Kurnool and during this convention he released a CD ‘Yuva Spandana’ related to Youth Mission.
Serving in various capacities at Regional level
As a Bishop he also rendered his services in various capacities at Regional level:
Chairman for “Youth Commission” Telugu Region (2008-2015)
Chairman for Scheduled Castes/Backward Classes Commission (2008-2015)
Chairman for Andhra Pradesh Social Service Society (2008-2020)
Secretary General & Treasurer of Telugu Catholic Bishops’ Conference (2014- 2020)
Chairman of the Sikh Village Campus, Secretariat for TCBC Priests’ Community (2014-2020)
Chairman for Jeevan Institute of Printing Press (2014-2020)
Under Most Rev. Dr. Poola Anthony’s able Leadership & Guidance the construction/renovation of new Churches/Presbyteries/Institutions, etc were completed in Kurnool Diocese
Renovated Bishop’s House, Kurnool
Total Renovation of Pastoral Centre, Kurnool
Total Renovation of Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral, Kurnool
Total Renovation of Infant Jesus Church and constructed the first floor presbytery at Adoni
Constructed “Samarpana” a Home for the Retired Priests
Constructed Church, Presbytery in Nandyal, Kurnool
Constructed Church, Hostel, Convent and School in Gadivemula, Kurnool
Constructed Church, Presbytery and Boarding in Kiolakuntla, Kurnool
Constructed Church, Presbytery and Convent at Manchalakatta, Kurnool
Constructed St. Anthony’s English Medium School in Adoni, Kurnool
Constructed Church, and Presbytery at Massedupuram
APPOINTMENT AS THE NEW METROPOLITAN ARCHBISHOP OF HYDERABAD:
On 19th November, 2020 Bishop Most Rev. Dr. Poola Anthony was appointed as the new Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad by His Holiness Pope Francis. This provision was made public in Rome on Thursday, 19th November, 2020, at noon, corresponding to 16:30 hours, Indian Standard Time. Most Rev. Dr. Thumma Bala, Archbishop of Hyderabad, made a public announcement in this regard on the same day at 16.30 hours, Indian Standard Time at St. Mary’s Basilica, Secunderabad in the presence of Archdiocesan College of Consulters, other Priests, Religious & Faithful. He extended a Warm and Hearty Welcome to Most Rev. Dr. Poola Anthony, new Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad, and expressed Hearty Congratulations, Prayerful Wishes and Felicitations to him and wished him every success, happy stay and fruitful ministry in the Archdiocese of Hyderabad. The Hyderabad Archdiocesan Consulters’ Body on behalf of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad on 23 rd November, 2020 Monday went to Bishop’s House, Kurnool Diocese, to Congratulate and Officially welcome Most Rev. Dr. Poola Anthony, the new Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad.
INSTALLATION CEREMONY OF MOST REV. DR. POOLA ANTHONY, THE NEW METROPOLITAN ARCHBISHOP OF HYDERABAD HELD ON 03 RD JANUARY, 2021
The Installation Ceremony of Most Rev. Dr. Poola Anthony, the Archbishop-elect of Hyderabad, as the new Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad was held on 03 rd January, 2021 (Sunday) on the occasion of the Solemnity of the Epiphany. The Hyderabad Archdiocesan Organizing Committee and the Faithful on 03 rd January, 2021 in the morning around 11.30 a.m. warmly received and welcomed Most Rev. Dr. Poola Anthony at Mehdipatnam and brought him in Procession from Mehdipatnam to Archbishop’s House, Secunderabad in open top car. Upon reaching Archbishop’s House, Secunderabad, Most Rev. Dr. Thumma Bala, Apostolic Administrator of Archdiocese of Hyderabad & Archbishop Emeritus of Hyderabad, and the Hyderabad Archdiocesan Consulters’ Body Members warmly welcomed Most Rev. Dr. Poola Anthony, the new Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad.
The Installation Ceremony program began in the evening around 04.30 p.m. with a procession from St. Mary’s Basilica to St. Mary’s High School Grounds during which Most Rev. Dr. Poola Anthony, the new Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad and Most Rev. Dr. Thumma Bala, Apostolic Administrator of Archdiocese of Hyderabad & Archbishop Emeritus of Hyderabad were brought in open top car. The Solemn Holy Eucharist began at 05.00 p.m. at St. Mary’s High School Grounds during which the Installation Ceremony of Most Rev. Dr. Poola Anthony as the 5th Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad took place and the ceremony was administered by Most Rev. Dr. Thumma Bala. Through this installation ceremony Most Rev. Dr. Poola Anthony took Canonical Possession of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad.
ON 29 TH MAY, 2022- MOST REV. DR. POOLA ANTHONY IS THE FIRST TELUGU BISHOP TO BE CHOSEN AS CARDINAL FROM ARCHDIOCESE OF HYDERABAD, INDIA BY HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS.
ARCHBISHOP POOLA ANTHONY WAS INSTALLED AS CARDINAL BY HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS ON 27TH AUGUST 2022 DURING THE CONSISTORY HELD IN VATICAN CITY, ROME.
Address
11, Sardar Patel Road, Archbishops House,
Secunderabad 500 003. Telangana, INDIA.Google Map
Phone & Email
Tel. +91 72079 40883
E-mail: archdiohyd@gmail.com
Useful Links
Cardinal Antony Poola Elected President of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India
engaluru, February 7, 2026: Cardinal Antony Poola has been elected the new President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), succeeding Archbishop Andrews Thazhath. The election took place on Friday during the ongoing General Assembly of the CBCI at St John’s Medical College, Bengaluru.
Cardinal Poola, the Archbishop of Hyderabad, assumes leadership of the apex body of Catholic bishops in India at a time of significant social, pastoral, and constitutional challenges facing the Church and the nation. His election marks an important moment for the Indian Church, reflecting both continuity and renewed pastoral vision.
The General Assembly brought together bishops from across the country for deliberations on issues concerning faith, mission, social responsibility, and the role of the Church in contemporary India. The election of the new president was one of the key decisions of the assembly.
Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, who completed his term as CBCI president, was acknowledged by the assembly for his steady leadership, especially during a period marked by growing concerns over religious freedom, social polarization, and the need for deeper interfaith engagement. Several bishops expressed appreciation for his emphasis on constitutional values, dialogue, and unity among the Churches in India.
Cardinal Poola is widely respected for his pastoral sensitivity, commitment to social justice, and advocacy for the marginalized. As the first Dalit cardinal of India, his leadership carries strong symbolic and pastoral significance, particularly for an inclusive and synodal Church.
The elections for the office bearers are still underway today. The results will be updated shortly.
The new CBCI president will guide the Conference in shaping its pastoral priorities and public engagement over the coming term, as the Indian Church continues its mission of service, reconciliation, and nation-building.
