Dar meets Vatican envoy Archbishop Gallagher in Islamabad as Pakistan, Holy See mark 75 years of ties
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher in Islamabad on Friday, as the Archbishop Gallagher Pakistan visit marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the Holy See.
Gallagher, who serves as the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, commended Pakistan’s “constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability through mediation, dialogue and diplomacy,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Dar welcomed the Vatican’s foreign affairs chief and acknowledged the Holy See’s part in promoting peace, interfaith harmony and dialogue. He also appreciated the contributions of Pakistan’s Catholic community, singling out its work in education and health.
Archbishop Gallagher Pakistan visit: what was discussed
The meeting covered interfaith harmony, dialogue and peace, alongside regional and international developments. Both sides expressed deep concern over the continuing humanitarian crisis in the region and stressed the need for sustained international efforts to advance peace.
Dar appreciated what he called Pope Leo XIV’s “principled calls for peace and a just resolution of the Palestine conflict,” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s “unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people,” the Foreign Office said.
The two sides closed the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to stronger Pakistan-Holy See relations and to promoting mutual respect, understanding and peaceful coexistence among faiths.
A first in 75 years of ties
The three-day visit, which runs from October 8 to 10, is the first ever by a Secretary for Relations with States of the Holy See to Pakistan. It came at Dar’s invitation, with the Foreign Office announcing the trip on October 7.
Pakistan and the Holy See established diplomatic relations in 1951. The two sides have kept up engagement over the decades on interfaith dialogue, religious harmony and peace, with the Holy See maintaining an Apostolic Nunciature in Islamabad and Pakistan represented at the Holy See through its diplomatic mission.
Gallagher was received on arrival by Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) Ayesha Ali. During his stay he is also expected to call on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and meet members of Pakistan’s Catholic community.
Palestine and the region on the agenda
The Palestine conflict featured prominently in the talks. Dar’s praise for Pope Leo XIV’s stance and his restated solidarity with the Palestinians place the visit in the context of Pakistan’s long-standing position on the issue.
The humanitarian crisis in the region drew shared concern from both sides, with Dar and Gallagher agreeing on the importance of international efforts to keep pushing for peace.
Who is Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher?
He is the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, effectively the Vatican’s foreign affairs chief. His October 8 to 10 trip is the first visit to Pakistan by anyone holding that office.
Why does the visit matter?
It coincides with the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-Holy See diplomatic relations, established in 1951. Both sides called it a milestone for bilateral understanding and cooperation.
What did Dar and Gallagher discuss?
Interfaith harmony, dialogue, peace, and regional and international developments, including the Palestine conflict and the continuing humanitarian crisis in the region.
Will Gallagher meet anyone else in Pakistan?
He is expected to call on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and to interact with members of Pakistan’s Catholic community during the visit.
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