ISLAMABAD: Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, will undertake an official visit to Pakistan from October 8 to 10 at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the Foreign Office said on Wednesday.
This will be 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.
🔊PR No.2️⃣8️⃣1️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ 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
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.
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.
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.
