Anthony Poola
Stored: Anthony Poola
| His Eminence Anthony Poola | |
| Bishop of Archdiocese of Hyderabad | |
| Home diocese: | Diocese of Kurnool |
| Other diocese 1: | Diocese of Cuddapah |
| Other diocese 2: | Diocese of Nalgonda |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 20 February 1992 by Bishop John Mulagada |
| Consecration: | 19 April 2008 by Archbishop Marampudi Joji |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 27 August 2022 by Pope Francis |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Anthony Poola 15 November 1961 Poluru, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | India |
| Education: | Pontifical Gregorian University |
| Motto: | "Caritas in Veritate" (Charity in Truth) |
| Role: | Diocesan |
| Theology: | Progressive |
| Region: | Asia |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Anthony Poola, born on 15 November 1961, is an Indian prelate of the Catholic Church, serving as the Archbishop of Hyderabad since 2021 and elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2022.[1] Born in Poluru, India, into a Dalit family, he was ordained a priest in 1992 for the Diocese of Cuddapah, served as Bishop of Kurnool from 2008 to 2020, and briefly as Apostolic Administrator of Diocese of Nalgonda (2022–2024).[2] Known for his progressive theology, Poola focuses on social justice, education for the poor, and eradicating caste discrimination, becoming the first Dalit and Telugu cardinal, a milestone for India’s marginalized communities.[3] His work includes establishing scholarships and supporting Dalit Christian rights, notably through the Hyderabad Archdiocese Educational Society (HAES).[4]
Poola’s elevation to cardinal-priest of Santi Protomartiri a Via Aurelia Antica has been celebrated as a symbol of hope for Dalit Christians, who constitute over 60% of India’s Catholic population, and a step toward addressing caste inequalities within the Church.[5] As a member of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development since 2022, he advocates for marginalized communities globally.[6] Eligible for the 2025 papal conclave, Poola is among four Indian cardinals able to vote, with media noting his potential influence, though papabile claims lack primary confirmation.[7][8] Following Pope Francis’ death in April 2025, Poola mourned his “historic papacy” and continues to lead Hyderabad’s Catholics, promoting education and social equity.[9]
Biography
Birth and early life
Anthony Poola was born on 15 November 1961 in Poluru, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, India, to Poola Chinna Anthony and Arogyamma, a Dalit family.[1] Facing caste-based discrimination and poverty, he left school after seventh grade but was supported by Dutch missionaries who funded his education.[9] He walked several kilometers to high school, often barefoot, and later expressed gratitude for missionary support that shaped his vocation.[5]
Growing up in a marginalized community, Poola’s experiences of caste stigma, such as being denied a glass for drinking water, fueled his commitment to social justice.[5] His early life instilled resilience and a focus on uplifting the poor.[4]
Education
Poola attended the minor seminary in Nuzvid and studied philosophy and theology at St. Peter’s Pontifical Major Seminary in Bengaluru.[2] He earned a Bachelor of Commerce from STBC College, Andhra Pradesh, despite financial struggles, often skipping meals.[9] He later studied health pastoral care and theology at Loyola University Chicago (2001–2003) and completed a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) course at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, USA.[3]
His academic roles included teaching and pastoral work, notably at St. Genevieve Church in Chicago during his studies.[3] Poola’s education, supported by missionaries, equipped him for leadership in addressing caste and poverty issues.[9]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Cuddapah on 20 February 1992 by Bishop John Mulagada, Poola served as parish vicar at St. Mary’s Cathedral (1992–1993), vicar in Amagampalli (1993–1994), and pastor in Tekurpet (1994–1995), Badvel (1995–2000), and Verapoly (2000–2001).[10] He was director of the Christian Foundation for Children and the Aging, focusing on education for underprivileged youth.[3]
Poola’s priesthood emphasized social service, including producing Telugu devotional audio cassettes, writing lyrics, composing songs, and conducting choirs.[3] His multilingual skills (Telugu, English, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Italian) enhanced his pastoral outreach.[3]
Bishop
Appointed Bishop of Kurnool on 8 February 2008 by Pope Benedict XVI, Poola was consecrated on 19 April 2008 by Archbishop Marampudi Joji.[1] He erected 11 new parishes and served as chairman of the Youth Commission in the Andhra Pradesh Bishops’ Conference.[3] Named Archbishop of Hyderabad on 19 November 2020, he was installed on 3 January 2021.[2] He served as Apostolic Administrator of Diocese of Nalgonda from 29 October 2022 to 30 April 2024.[11]
Elevated to cardinal-priest of Santi Protomartiri a Via Aurelia Antica on 27 August 2022, Poola became the first Dalit and Telugu cardinal.[5] Appointed to the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development in October 2022, he advocates for Dalit rights and education.[6] His progressive theology, focusing on social justice over sacramental debates, has drawn conservative critique but aligns with Pope Francis’ inclusive vision.[3]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diocese of Kurnool | Diocesan Bishop | 8 February 2008 | 19 November 2020 | Erected 11 new parishes |
| Archdiocese of Hyderabad | Metropolitan Archbishop | 19 November 2020 | Present | First Dalit and Telugu cardinal |
| Diocese of Nalgonda | Apostolic Administrator | 29 October 2022 | 30 April 2024 | Temporary role |
Significant events
- Ordained priest for the Diocese of Cuddapah in 1992 by Bishop John Mulagada.[1]
- Studied health pastoral care and theology at Loyola University Chicago (2001–2003).[3]
- Appointed Bishop of Kurnool in 2008 by Pope Benedict XVI.[1]
- Named chairman of the Youth Commission, Andhra Pradesh Bishops’ Conference.[3]
- Appointed Archbishop of Hyderabad in 2020 by Pope Francis.[2]
- Installed as Archbishop of Hyderabad on 3 January 2021.[2]
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2022, first Dalit and Telugu cardinal.[5]
- Appointed to Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development in 2022.[6]
- Served as Apostolic Administrator of Diocese of Nalgonda (2022–2024).[11]
- Confirmed as eligible for the 2025 papal conclave.[7]
Books
Written about the bishop
- "Cardinal Anthony Poola". 23 November 2024. https://collegeofcardinalsreport.com/cardinals/anthony-poola.
- Thatcher, Bryan (13 August 2023). "Rising from the Shadows: The Remarkable Journey of Cardinal Anthony Poola". https://drbryanthatcher.com/rising-from-the-shadows-the-remarkable-journey-of-cardinal-anthony-poola/.
- "Anthony Poola, India’s first Dalit Cardinal, will help choose the next Pope". 21 April 2025. https://theprint.in/around-town/anthony-poola-indias-first-dalit-cardinal-will-help-choose-the-next-pope/2046959/.
Written by the bishop
No books or major publications by Cardinal Anthony Poola have been identified in available sources, though he has contributed Telugu devotional audio cassettes, lyrics, and songs.[3]
External links
- Anthony Cardinal Poola at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
- Archdiocese of Hyderabad at Archdiocese of Hyderabad
- Cardinal Anthony Poola at Vatican Press
- Cardinal of Hyderabad Archdiocese Anthony Poola at UCA News
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Cheney, David M.. "Anthony Cardinal Poola". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bpoant.html.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Cardinal Anthony Poola". 27 August 2022. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_poola.html.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 "Cardinal Anthony Poola". 23 November 2024. https://collegeofcardinalsreport.com/cardinals/anthony-poola.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Thatcher, Bryan (13 August 2023). "Rising from the Shadows: The Remarkable Journey of Cardinal Anthony Poola". https://drbryanthatcher.com/rising-from-the-shadows-the-remarkable-journey-of-cardinal-anthony-poola/.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 "Anthony Poola, India’s first Dalit Cardinal, will help choose the next Pope". 21 April 2025. https://theprint.in/around-town/anthony-poola-indias-first-dalit-cardinal-will-help-choose-the-next-pope/2046959/.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Pope Francis Appoints Card. Filipe Neri and Card. Anthony Poola as members of the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia". 8 October 2022. https://archgoadaman.com/popes-appoints-card-filipe-neri-and-card-anthony-poola-as-members-of-the-dicasteries-of-the-roman-curia/.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Piqué, Elisabetta (25 April 2025). "Quiénes son los cardenales que participarán del cónclave". https://www.lanacion.com.ar/el-mundo/quienes-son-los-cardenales-que-participaran-del-conclave-nid25042025/.
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedthehinduquiz - ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 "Who is Anthony Poola? All about the Indian Cardinal who'll vote to choose the next Pope". 22 April 2025. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/times-special/who-is-anthony-poola-all-about-the-indian-cardinal-wholl-vote-to-choose-the-next-pope/articleshow/109516054.cms.
- ↑ "Anthony Poola". 30 April 2025. https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Poola.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Apostolic Administrator of Nalgonda Diocese Anthony Poola". https://www.ucanews.com/directory/apostolic-administrator/nalgonda/anthony-poola/305.