Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, is scheduled to visit Pakistan from October 8 to 10. This visit comes at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and marks the first time a Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations from the Holy See has visited Pakistan.
The visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the Holy See, established in 1951. During his stay, Archbishop Gallagher will hold discussions with Senator Ishaq Dar on a range of topics including interfaith harmony, dialogue, peace initiatives, as well as regional and international developments.
In addition to meeting the Foreign Minister, the Vatican official is expected to engage with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and connect with members of Pakistan’s Catholic community. The longstanding relationship between Pakistan and the Holy See has been built on dialogue, religious and cultural cooperation, and shared interests.
This visit is seen as a significant opportunity to reinforce bilateral understanding and cooperation, while advancing the promotion of interfaith harmony, peace, and mutual respect. Archbishop Gallagher’s role overseeing the Holy See’s relations with states and international organisations underscores the importance of this diplomatic engagement as both sides commemorate their 75 years of formal ties.
