Pakistan’s Christians welcome appointment of cardinal

In this file photo, newly-appointed Cardinal, Pakistan’s Joseph Coutts gestures as he attends the courtesy visit of relatives following a consistory for the creation of new cardinals in the Apostolic Palace at St. Peter’s Basilica in The Vatican on June 28, 2018. (TIZIANA FABI/AFP)

• The 73-year-old archbishop of Karachi was among 14 new cardinals appointed by Pope Francis at a ceremony on Thursday
• Coutts is only the second cardinal from Muslim-majority Pakistan, after Cardinal Joseph Cordero, who died in 1994

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Christians have welcomed the elevation of Archbishop Joseph Coutts to cardinal.
Coutts, the 73-year-old archbishop of Karachi, was among 14 new cardinals appointed by Pope Francis at a ceremony on Thursday. He is only the second cardinal from Muslim-majority Pakistan, after Cardinal Joseph Cordero, who died in 1994.
Christians are a tiny minority in Pakistan, where they face discrimination and where they have been targeted by Islamic extremists.
Father Mario Rodrigues, a Christian community leader, says the appointment of Coutts is an honor for the nation and recognizes his promotion of inter-faith harmony. Father Amanat Yousuf says Coutts will be a bridge between Pakistan and the international community
Coutts would be eligible to vote in a conclave to select a new pope.