Abp Gallagher in Sri Lanka to mark 50 years of relations with Holy See

Archbishop Gallagher Visits Sri Lanka to Mark 50 Years of Relations with the Holy See

From 3 to 8 November, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, visited Sri Lanka to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the country and the Holy See. The visit aimed to deepen cooperation and shared dedication to peace.

Upon his arrival on Monday, the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry announced that Archbishop Gallagher was welcomed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra.

According to the Vatican Secretary of State’s official X account, the archbishop’s schedule included a meeting with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya on Monday.

On 4 November, he met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. That same day, Gallagher joined a conference titled “The Holy See’s Perspective and Commitment to Dialogue and Peace”, dedicated to the anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations established on 6 September 1975.

During the visit, Archbishop Gallagher also traveled to sites affected by the tragic Easter Sunday attacks of 2019, offering a gesture of solidarity and remembrance.

“The visit underscores a shared commitment to fostering dialogue, peace, and cooperation between Sri Lanka and the Holy See.”

Author’s summary: Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher’s visit to Sri Lanka highlighted 50 years of Vatican-Sri Lankan diplomatic ties, focusing on peace, dialogue, and remembrance of past tragedies.

Vatican News — 2025-11-04

Archbishop Gallagher Visits Sri Lanka to Mark 50 Years of Relations with the Holy See

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