Cardinal Anthony Poola Elected First Dalit President of India's Catholic Bishops; Conference Calls for Repeal of Anti-Conversion Laws

Historic Leadership for India's Catholic Church

In a landmark decision, Cardinal Anthony Poola, the Archbishop of Hyderabad, has been elected as the new President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI). The election, which took place on February 7, 2026, during the CBCI's 37th General Body Meeting in Bengaluru, Karnataka, marks a historic moment as Cardinal Poola becomes the first Dalit to lead the apex body of Catholic bishops in India. His appointment is for a two-year term.

The CBCI also issued a strong statement during the meeting, demanding the repeal of anti-conversion laws currently in effect across several Indian states. The bishops argue that these laws violate India's constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and privacy, and have led to false arrests and harassment of Christians.

The Significance of a Dalit President

Cardinal Poola's election is particularly significant given the historical marginalization of the Dalit community, often referred to as 'untouchables' within India's traditional caste system. Despite forming a substantial majority—estimated at around 65-70 percent—of India's Catholic population, Dalits have historically been underrepresented in leadership positions within the Church. This election is seen as a crucial step towards addressing systemic inequities and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities within the Church.

Dalits, whose name literally means 'trampled upon,' have faced centuries of discrimination. While India's constitution officially abolished the caste system in 1948, its social impact persists. Cardinal Poola's ascendancy is viewed by many as a powerful message that Dalits and tribal people can achieve leadership at all levels of the Church.

Cardinal Poola's Journey and Background

Born on November 15, 1961, in Poluru, Andhra Pradesh, Cardinal Anthony Poola's journey to this leadership role has been marked by extensive pastoral and administrative experience. He was ordained a priest on February 20, 1992. His educational pursuits included higher studies in the United States, where he earned a Master's degree in pastoral care from Loyola University Chicago between 2001 and 2003.

He served in various capacities, including parish vicar and parish priest, before being appointed Bishop of Kurnool in 2008. In 2020, Pope Francis appointed him Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad. In August 2022, he made history again when Pope Francis elevated him to the College of Cardinals, making him the first Dalit cardinal. The CBCI noted that Cardinal Poola 'assumes leadership of the Catholic Church in India at a crucial moment, bringing with him decades of pastoral experience, administrative leadership, and a strong commitment to the Church's mission in service of faith, justice, and human dignity.'

Demand for Repeal of Anti-Conversion Laws

During their 37th General Body Meeting, the CBCI unequivocally called for the repeal of anti-conversion laws. These state-level statutes, often termed 'Freedom of Religion' Acts, are currently in force in at least 12 Indian states, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh. While ostensibly aimed at preventing conversions through 'forcible' or 'fraudulent' means, or by 'allurement' or 'inducement,' the bishops contend they are frequently misused.

The CBCI's statement highlighted that 'innocent people face arrest due to false allegations of forced conversion,' and demanded 'the repeal of all legislation undermining religious freedom and privacy.' The bishops assert that these laws are unconstitutional and create a hostile environment for religious minorities, often leading to harassment and violence. Petitions challenging the constitutional validity of these laws are currently being examined by the Supreme Court of India.