Born Isaac Thottunkal, he chose the name of Clement of Alexandria as bishop. Major Archbishop since 2007, created cardinal by Benedict XVI, he is the first cardinal of this Eastern rite Church that has its seat in Trivandrum in Kerala. In his ministry he has closely followed the communities of the diaspora, but has also promoted numerous social works in India. He was president of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India.

Born into a mixed family with a Catholic father and a Hindu mother, he experienced firsthand and from an early age the difficulties and marginalisation outcasts face. He was able to study thanks to men of the Church who strengthened his faith and allowed him to discover his vocation. Hyderabad is a cosmopolitan, multicultural place with different languages. Proclaiming the Gospel is a “challenge”.

New Delhi has revoked the system that allowed Bangladeshi goods to be exported to third countries via Indian territory. Dhaka responded by suspending imports of cotton yarn from India through five border crossings, including Benapole and Bhomra. In the background are India's concerns after Yunus's overture to China.

From Kerala, 51, the Syro-Malabar prelate has served in various nunciatures in Latin America as well as the Islamic world. A few days before he was hospitalised at the Gemelli, Pope Francis picked him as prefect of the dicastery for interreligious dialogue. For the cardinal, it is imperative to look at “a world where religious differences not only coexist peacefully but become essential elements in building peace among peoples.”

The archbishop of Goa, 72, has chaired the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences since the start of the year. He has been very attentive to the life of families whom he constantly encouraged in his ministry. As head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India-Latin Rite, he promoted a broad consultation in the dioceses, which led to a document with 16 priorities, including Dalits and digital technologies.

Tension remains high between Delhi and Islamabad after the attack in Kashmir that left 26 dead. Airspace closed, agreement on rivers revoked, Hindu nationalists press for armed retaliation. The vice-president of the Bishops' Conference: “May our efforts for peace continue.”