ISLAMABAD: A senior Vatican diplomat has praised Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and stability through mediation and diplomacy, highlighting opportunities for closer cooperation as Islamabad and the Holy See mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 received H.E. Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States of the Holy See, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Archbishop is visiting Pakistan to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the Holy See.
The DPM/FM welcomed the Archbishop and acknowledged the Holy See’s role in promoting peace, interfaith harmony and dialogue, and appreciated the valuable contributions of Pakistan’s Catholic community, particularly in education and health.
Archbishop Gallagher commended Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability through mediation, dialogue and diplomacy.
The DPM/FM appreciated Pope Leo XIV’s principled calls for peace and a just resolution of the Palestine conflict, reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people. They expressed deep concern over the continuing humanitarian crisis and emphasized the importance of sustained international efforts to advance peace in the region.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan–Holy See relations and promoting mutual respect, understanding and peaceful coexistence among faiths.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 9, 2026
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See’s secretary for relations with states and international organisations, made the remarks on Friday during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to an official statement.
Pakistan, Holy See reaffirm commitment to peace
The Foreign Office (FO) said Dar welcomed Archbishop Gallagher and acknowledged the Holy See’s contributions to promoting peace, interfaith harmony and dialogue.
Dar also appreciated the valuable role played by Pakistan’s Catholic community, particularly in the education and healthcare sectors.
According to the FO, Archbishop Gallagher commended Pakistan’s “constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability through mediation, dialogue and diplomacy”.
The meeting underscored the importance of diplomatic engagement and cooperation in addressing regional challenges and advancing peaceful solutions to international disputes.
Palestine crisis discussed during meeting
The two sides also discussed the continuing humanitarian crisis in the region and stressed the need for sustained international efforts to advance peace.
Dar appreciated Pope Leo XIV’s calls for peace and a just resolution of the Palestine conflict, reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Both sides expressed deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian situation and emphasised the importance of international engagement to promote stability and address the crisis.
The discussions reflected their shared emphasis on dialogue, humanitarian concerns and peaceful coexistence amid continuing regional tensions.
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75 years of Pakistan–Holy See diplomatic relations
Archbishop Gallagher is visiting Pakistan to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the Holy See, the governing authority of the Roman Catholic Church.
During his visit, the archbishop is also expected to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and interact with members of Pakistan’s Catholic community.
The Foreign Office described the visit as an important milestone in bilateral relations, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening mutual understanding, cooperation and trust.
Pakistan and the Holy See reaffirmed their resolve to deepen diplomatic engagement and promote mutual respect, interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence among religious communities.
