• Visiting Vatican rep says Pope admires SL’s progress in peace and ethnic-religious communal unity

The visiting Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the See of Rome (the central governing body of the Catholic Church and the Vatican City), Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher told President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that both he and Pope Leo the XIV admire the progress that Sri Lanka has made, particularly in advancing peace and unity among all ethnic and religious communities, adding that based on this progress, the Pope may consider a visit to Sri Lanka in the near future.

Gallagher paid a courtesy call on President Dissanayake yesterday (4) at the Presidential Secretariat. This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Vatican in Rome, Italy, and Sri Lanka.

President Dissanayake noted that the half-century of diplomatic ties has brought significant benefits to the nation in promoting human dignity and providing support whenever the country has been in need. The President highlighted the Vatican’s assistance to Sri Lanka’s education sector as well as its considerable support following the tsunami.

Archbishop Gallagher also commended the President’s leadership in restoring economic and political stability in the country. He reaffirmed the Vatican’s support for Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ethnic and religious harmony and consolidate economic stability, the President’s Media Division said.

Gallagher is currently on an official visit to Sri Lanka and is scheduled to attend a commemorative event marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Vatican and Sri Lanka. During his stay, which continues until 8 November, he will visit several locations of significance. He is in Sri Lanka to reinforce the shared commitment of the See of Rome and Sri Lanka to peace, cooperation, and mutual understanding. His visit will also include participation in a conference titled ‘The See of Rome’s Perspective and Commitment to Dialogue and Peace’, commemorating the establishment of diplomatic relations on 6 September 1975.