Gallagher in Pakistan: Peace, human dignity at heart of papal diplomacy

By Stefano Leszczynski

The Holy See’s diplomacy serves human dignity, religious freedom, and peace, rather than economic or political interests, according to Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.

The Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations addressed a conference in Islamabad on October 9 marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

The event took place during his visit to the country, scheduled to continue through October 10, which aims to strengthen ties of friendship and cooperation.

In his address on the Holy See’s diplomacy, with particular reference to several Asian countries, Archbishop Gallagher highlighted the distinctive nature of its international engagement, rooted in the Church’s spiritual mission and the defense of fundamental human rights.

Positive neutrality

The Archbishop noted that the Holy See maintaines diplomatic relations with 184 states and participates in the work of the United Nations as a Permanent Observer.

Its engagement with the international community, he explained, seeks to promote the common good and integral human development through a diplomacy of “positive neutrality.”

This approach avoids alignment with ideologies or political systems while allowing the Holy See to speak out on issues concerning peace and human rights.

Such impartiality, he said, enables the Holy See to mediate in international conflicts in certain circumstances, giving priority to the protection of the most vulnerable over national interests.

Religious freedom and dialogue in Asia

Archbishop Gallagher devoted particular attention to diplomatic relations with Asian nations, where Christianity’s roots stretch back nearly two millennia.

He recalled how bilateral agreements with several countries on the continent have helped protect freedom of religion, conscience, and expression, enabling Catholic communities to carry out their pastoral, educational, and charitable activities.

Alongside these religious concerns, the Archbishop highlighted the importance of cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

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He cited agreements on the recognition of academic qualifications, the protection of artistic heritage, and support for charitable institutions—areas in which the Church could make a tangible contribution to the development of local societies.

Ties with Pakistan and witness of the Popes

Turning to Pakistan, Archbishop Gallagher noted that its relations with the Holy See have been marked by significant gestures of closeness and fraternity.

He first recalled Pope Paul VI’s stop in Dhaka, then part of East Pakistan, on November 27, 1970, following a devastating natural disaster that had claimed thousands of lives.

The Pope sought to share in the people’s grief and draw international attention to a tragedy that risked being forgotten.

“I have come to you as a friend among friends, as a brother among brothers,” Pope Paul VI said. His words expressed an understanding of solidarity grounded in the conviction that all people belonged to one human family, regardless of their faith.

On February 16, 1981, Pope John Paul II visited Karachi, reaffirming the Catholic Church’s respect for Islam and recalling Abraham as a figure shared by the Christian, Muslim, and Jewish traditions.

According to Archbishop Gallagher, the visit helped strengthen dialogue and mutual trust among religious communities.

Sister Ruth Pfau and the “diplomacy of life”

Among the most significant examples the Archbishop cited was Sister Ruth Pfau, who devoted more than half a century to caring for people with leprosy in Pakistan.

He described her work as an example of the “diplomacy of life,” expressed through quiet, selfless service. She did more than treat a disease, he noted: she helped restore dignity, visibility, and a place in society to people who were often marginalized.

When she died in 2017, Pakistan honored her with a state funeral, recognizing the universal value of her work, which transcended religious, ethnic, and national differences.

Her witness, Archbishop Gallagher said, demonstrates that the Holy See’s diplomatic activity extended beyond institutional relations to find expression in practical care for the most vulnerable.

Peace as a shared responsibility

In his concluding remarks, Archbishop Gallagher reiterated that papal diplomacy seeks to promote universal values rather than pursue political expediency.

This approach rests on the conviction that the exercise of authority must always be grounded in moral law and respect for every person’s inherent dignity.

Marking 75 years of diplomatic relations with Pakistan, the Archbishop expressed his certainty that the relationship rests on deeply shared values: “the dignity of every human person, religious freedom, peace, and social justice.”

These principles, he concluded, belong to both the Islamic tradition and the Christian vision and provide a foundation for cooperation that could help build a more just and peaceful society.

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