Pope Francis’s Visit to India Likely After 2025 Jubilee Year, Says Union Minister George Kurian

 Union Minister George Kurian announced on Saturday that Pope Francis’s long-awaited visit to India is expected to take place after 2025, which has been designated as the "Jubilee Year" by the Catholic Church.

Kurian confirmed that India had formally extended an invitation to the Pope, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally inviting him. However, he emphasized that the scheduling of the visit would be determined by the Vatican, and would occur according to Pope Francis’s availability.

Speaking to Asianet, Kurian explained that the precise timing of the visit would depend on the Pope’s engagements, noting that the Vatican had indicated the Pope’s commitments would be centered around the Jubilee Year celebrations. "The Church is celebrating 2025 as the Jubilee Year, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. So, Vatican sources have indicated that Pope Francis will be occupied with these activities throughout the year," Kurian said. "As per the information we have, the visit to India is expected to occur after the Jubilee Year."

Kurian, the Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs, is currently part of a delegation in the Vatican for the ordination of Archbishop George Jacob Koovakad as a Cardinal by Pope Francis. Koovakad, 51, from Kerala, has been instrumental in organizing the Pope’s international tours since 2020. This Saturday, he will be elevated to the rank of Cardinal, along with 21 other clergy members. Previously holding the title of Monsignor, Koovakad was also named Titular Archbishop of Nisibis in Turkey.

Minister Kurian expressed that both Prime Minister Modi and India’s Christian community are eagerly awaiting the Pope’s visit, which would be a historic occasion for the country. The planned visit, though set for after 2025, has sparked considerable anticipation among Indian Catholics and religious communities alike.