Cardinal Joseph Coutts Honoured with Pakistan’s Medal of Excellence for Promoting Unity and Peace

Islamabad, 25 March, 2025: Cardinal Joseph Coutts, Archbishop Emeritus of Karachi, has been honoured with Pakistan’s prestigious "Tamgha-i-Imtiaz" (Medal of Excellence) for his contributions to interfaith dialogue, national harmony, and the protection of minority rights. The award, presented by President Ali Zardari on 23 March in Islamabad, recognises both Pakistani and foreign individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation’s welfare.  

Cardinal Coutts was recognised for his lifelong commitment to healthcare, education, and charitable initiatives that have fostered unity and social well-being across Pakistan. His dedication to promoting interreligious dialogue and peace has earned him widespread admiration, with President Zardari describing him as "an inspiration for all Pakistanis."  

A key figure in Pakistan’s Christian community, Cardinal Coutts currently leads the Christian Studies Centre in Rawalpindi, a respected ecumenical institution that has championed religious harmony for more than five decades.  

Born in 1945 in Amritsar, India, he was ordained a priest in 1971 and later served as Bishop of Hyderabad, Faisalabad, and Karachi, where he remained until 2021. He also led the Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference and was made a Cardinal by Pope Francis in 2018.  

His life’s work stands as a testament to the power of faith, dialogue, and service in bridging divides, uplifting communities, and fostering lasting peace.

By Catholic Connect Reporter