Vatican's Top Diplomat Arrives in Pakistan for Historic First Visit

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican's top diplomat, arrived in Islamabad on Thursday for his first visit to Pakistan. The trip marks the first visit by the Holy See's senior official responsible for relations with states and international organisations.

Meetings in Islamabad

Gallagher, who serves as the Holy See's Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, will remain in Pakistan until Saturday. He is scheduled to meet Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar to discuss issues of mutual interest, including interfaith harmony, dialogue, peace, and regional and international developments, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During his visit, the Vatican diplomat is also expected to call on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and meet members of Pakistan's Catholic community. The engagements will provide an opportunity to exchange views on religious dialogue, peaceful coexistence and stronger understanding among different communities.

Seventy-five years of diplomatic relations

The visit comes as Pakistan and the Holy See commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations. The anniversary gives added significance to Gallagher's first trip to the country and provides an opportunity for both sides to reaffirm their longstanding diplomatic engagement.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the visit as an important milestone in relations between Pakistan and the Holy See. It said the visit reflects a shared commitment to strengthening mutual understanding, cooperation and trust while promoting interfaith harmony and peace.

Gallagher's meetings with Pakistani leaders and members of the Catholic community are expected to cover bilateral matters and wider regional and international developments. His engagement with religious representatives will also provide an opportunity to reinforce the importance of dialogue and mutual respect among faith communities.

The visit is being viewed as a notable diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and the Vatican, particularly during the anniversary year and amid the Holy See's continued emphasis on dialogue, peace and cooperation in its international relations.