The death of Pope Francis has triggered a solemn and centuries-old process to elect his successor, beginning May 7.
The selection will unfold in strict secrecy during a papal conclave held within the Sistine Chapel, where cardinal electors are barred from all external communication. Due to Pope Francis’s age and recent health issues, including a serious lung infection, discussions on potential successors had already begun prior to his passing.
As tradition dictates, a group of leading candidates—referred to as “papabile”—has emerged as likely contenders. The conclave will be convened by the Vatican, involving the College of Cardinals. Of the current 252 cardinals, 138 are eligible to vote, as only those under 80 years old may participate. The electors will cast secret ballots in up to four voting rounds daily until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority. The process typically lasts between 15 and 20 days, according to Church precedent.
Who is Cardinal Joseph Coutts?
On this historic occasion of 2025, Pakistan’s only Cardinal Joseph Coutts is the center of attention of the global Catholic community. He is among the five oldest cardinals eligible to vote in this year’s conclave.
Cardinal Joseph Coutts is 78 years old in 2025, so he is eligible to vote in the papal election, and this is until he turns 80.
Cardinal Joseph Coates falls near the midpoint in terms of seniority, positioning him as neither among the most senior nor the most junior members of the College of Cardinals. This balanced standing, combined with growing recognition of his leadership, has made him an increasingly prominent contender in the papal election.
Cardinal Coutts was born on July 21, 1945 in Amritsar, British India. His family moved to Karachi after the partition. From an early age, his character was marked by a strong sense of service, deep humility, and a profound spiritual devotion.
After completing his early education in Karachi, he studied theology at Christ the King Seminary and then obtained a degree in theology and philosophy at the Pontifical Urbaniana University of the Vatican for further higher education.
He was ordained a priest on January 9, 1971. Starting his ecclesiastical service, he served in various parishes in Karachi. In 1986, he was appointed Bishop of the Hyderabad Diocese and soon assumed the full office of bishop. In 1998, he became Bishop of Faisalabad and in 2012, he was appointed Archbishop of Karachi, where he performed his duties until 2021.
Cardinal Coutts was elevated to the rank of Cardinal by Pope Francis on June 28, 2018, and his formal title was “Cardinal Priest of San Bonaventure da Banurigio”. In this sense, they hold a unique place in national history.
