ISLAMABAD: Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher arrived in Islamabad on Thursday on the first-ever visit by a Holy See Secretary to Pakistan.
He was received by Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) Ayesha Ali, the Foreign Office said.
H.E. Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States & International Organizations, arrived in Islamabad today on the first-ever visit by a Holy See Secretary to Pakistan. He was received by Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) Amb. Ayesha Ali. https://t.co/NPKwYjMCWl
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 8, 2026
In an earlier statement, the Foreign Office said that the visit is being carried out on the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
This is the first-ever visit to Pakistan by a Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See.
The visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the Holy See.
During the visit, Archbishop Gallagher will meet with Deputy PM Dar to discuss matters of mutual interest, including interfaith harmony, dialogue and peace, as well as regional and international developments, the Foreign Office said.
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Curtain Raiser: Visit of the H.E. Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, to Pakistan (8-10 October, 2026)
🔗⬇️ https://t.co/aYyLLteJDW
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 7, 2026
Archbishop Gallagher is also expected to call on Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations will also interact with members of the Catholic community in Pakistan.
The visit marks an important milestone in the longstanding relations between Pakistan and the Holy See and reflects their shared commitment to further strengthening mutual understanding, cooperation and trust, while promoting interfaith harmony and peace.
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Pakistan and the Holy See established diplomatic relations in 1951. Pakistan has maintained engagement with the Holy See on issues including interfaith dialogue, religious harmony and peace.
The Holy See maintains an Apostolic Nunciature in Islamabad, while Pakistan is represented at the Holy See through its diplomatic mission.
