ISLAMABAD, October 9, 2026 — Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, is visiting Pakistan from October 8 to 10 in the first-ever trip to the country by an official holding that post. The visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the Holy See, and has put interfaith harmony, regional peace and bilateral cooperation at the centre of discussions. (Vatican News)

Gallagher arrived in Islamabad on October 8 and was received by Additional Foreign Secretary for Europe Ayesha Ali, Pakistan’s state broadcaster reported. The Vatican said the visit is intended to mark the anniversary and strengthen the two sides’ shared commitment to peace and cooperation.

Talks with Pakistan’s leadership

On October 9, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar met Gallagher at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Pakistan’s Foreign Office said Dar welcomed the archbishop and recognised the Holy See’s role in promoting peace, interfaith harmony and dialogue. He also acknowledged the contributions of Pakistan’s Catholic community, particularly in education and health, according to The Express Tribune.

The two sides discussed regional and international issues, including the continuing humanitarian crisis in Palestine. According to the Foreign Office account reported by The Express Tribune, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with the Palestinian people and referred to Pope Leo XIV’s calls for peace and a just resolution of the conflict. Gallagher and Dar, the report said, stressed the need for sustained international efforts to advance peace.

Dar and Gallagher reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and promoting mutual respect, understanding and peaceful coexistence.Paraphrasing Pakistan’s Foreign Office, via The Express Tribune

Gallagher was also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The programme published by Vatican News lists meetings with Sharif and Dar, as well as engagements with Catholic Church representatives and religious leaders.

Visit programme at a glance

A diplomatic milestone

The visit is significant not only because of its seniority, but also because it falls on the 75th anniversary of formal relations between Pakistan and the Holy See. The Foreign Office described the trip as the first visit to Pakistan by a secretary responsible for the Holy See’s relations with states and international organisations.

The Holy See is the central governing authority of the Catholic Church and maintains diplomatic relations with states around the world. Gallagher’s portfolio places him at the intersection of diplomacy, religious engagement and international affairs; his meetings in Islamabad therefore bring political and religious representatives into the same conversation.

The scheduled programme includes a meeting with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan and a conference marking the diplomatic anniversary. On the final day, October 10, Gallagher is due to celebrate Mass at the Church of Our Lady of Fatima in Islamabad, visit Faisal Mosque and meet religious leaders.

Dialogue and coexistence

The visit comes as both sides publicly emphasise dialogue and peaceful coexistence across faiths. Pakistan’s Foreign Office said Dar and Gallagher reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and promoting mutual respect, understanding and peaceful coexistence.

That emphasis gives the visit a broader dimension beyond ceremonial diplomacy. Meetings with government leaders, Catholic representatives and Muslim religious figures create opportunities to discuss how religious communities can contribute to social cohesion and peace. The schedule itself reflects that dual focus: official state talks alongside engagements with bishops and leaders at Faisal Mosque.

Pakistan’s Catholic community was also recognised in the discussions, particularly for its work in education and health, according to the Foreign Office’s account. The acknowledgement signals an interest in the community’s contribution to public life as well as its role in interfaith engagement.

What the visit signals

The anniversary provides a moment for Pakistan and the Holy See to reaffirm longstanding relations, while the agenda gives the visit practical diplomatic weight. Its focus on peace, interfaith dialogue and regional developments reflects the issues both sides say they want to address—not just the history of their ties.

Gallagher’s meetings and public engagements are scheduled to conclude on October 10. The visit’s significance will ultimately depend on whether the renewed commitments to dialogue and cooperation translate into continued engagement after the anniversary events.