Pak welcomes Karachi Archbishop's elevation as Cardinal by Pope Francis

Pakistan today welcomed the elevation of Archbishop Joseph Coutts of Karachi as Cardinal by Pope Francis.

Foreign Office said that Pope Francis elevated 14 Archbishops to the rank of Cardinal yesterday in an impressive ceremony held at the Vatican's St Peter's Basilica.

"The appointment of Archbishop Joseph Coutts is an honour for the entire nation," it said in a statement.

Minister for Religious Affairs Muhammad Yusuf Shaikh led the Pakistan delegation to the ceremony.

"Ministerial participation underscores the importance Pakistan attaches to the elevation of Archbishop Joseph Coutts to a Cardinal.

"It also recognises his contribution and services to the Catholic Church and promotion of inter-faith harmony in the country," it said.

Archbishop Joseph Coutts of the Catholic Church of Karachi is the second Pakistani national to be accorded the honour after Cardinal Joseph Cordeiro in 1973.

In the hierarchy of the Catholic Church, Cardinals come immediately after the Pope.

One of the primary responsibilities of the Cardinals is to elect a new Pope when the position becomes vacant.

The FO said that Pope Francis is held in high esteem in Pakistan which is committed to cordial relations with the Holy See.