Peshawar: Cardinal Joseph Coutts is a Pakistani Catholic leader who was born in Lahore in 1945. He served as the  bishop of Faisal abad Diocese and Archbishop of Karachi and became the first-ever cardinal from Pakistan when Pope Francis elevated him to the College of Cardinals in 2018. He is known for promoting interfaith harmony and peace in a country where Christians are a minority.

Cardinal Joseph Coutts has been honored with several prestigious national and international awards in recognition of his lifelong commitment to interfaith dialogue, social justice, and the protection of minority rights in Pakistan. 

National Honors

Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Medal of Excellence) – 2025

On March 23, 2025, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz on Cardinal Coutts. This award, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian honors, recognized his exceptional contributions to interfaith harmony, social welfare, and the Christian community. His initiatives have significantly improved healthcare, education, and community well-being across the country.  

Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Crescent of Excellence) – 2024

In August 2024, Cardinal Coutts was awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, the second-highest civilian award in Pakistan. This honor acknowledged his tireless efforts in promoting interfaith harmony, education, and social welfare in the country.  

 International Recognition

Paul VI International Prize – 2013

In 2013, Cardinal Coutts received the Paul VI International Prize from the Paul VI Institute in Brescia, Italy. This award honors individuals or institutions that have significantly contributed to the growth of religious meaning in the world. 

Shalom Prize – 2007

In 2007, the University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt in Germany awarded Cardinal Coutts the Shalom Prize for his commitment to interfaith dialogue in Pakistan. This prize is given to individuals and projects that work for human rights. 

These accolades reflect Cardinal Coutts’ profound impact on fostering peace, unity, and understanding across religious and cultural divides, both within Pakistan and internationally.

Can He Become Pope?

Yes, technically he can. According to Catholic Church law, any baptized male Catholic can be elected pope, though in modern practice, only cardinals under the age of 80 are considered likely candidates.

• Cardinal Coutts is currently 79 years old, so he is still eligible to vote and be voted for in a papal conclave.

• He would not be eligible after his 80th birthday, as cardinals over 80 lose voting rights.

How Likely Is It?

While he’s eligible, his chances of actually becoming pope are slim, and here’s why:

1. Age: At 79, he’s at the very edge of the eligible age. Popes are usually elected younger so they can serve longer.

2. Visibility: He is respected but not considered a major global figure among the cardinals who are regularly discussed as “papabile” (a term for likely papal candidates).

3. Retirement: He retired from active leadership as Archbishop of Karachi in 2021, which means he’s not currently leading a major diocese or Vatican office.

Why Is This Still Important?

Even if he’s not likely to be elected pope, his presence in the conclave is historic:

• He will be the first Pakistani ever to take part in electing a pope, which is a big moment for religious minorities in Pakistan and for the global South in the Catholic Church.

• His election as cardinal itself was seen as a powerful symbol of the Church’s commitment to representing marginalized communities.

Let me know if you want a breakdown of how a pope is elected or more about the role of cardinals in the Catholic Church.