Bled: On the concluding day of the Bled Strategic Forum, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, emphasized that dialogue and the rebuilding of consensus are essential tools in navigating an increasingly fractured global landscape.
Speaking at the 20th edition of the Forum, which carried the theme “A Runaway World”, Archbishop Gallagher reflected on the mission of Pope Leo XIV continuing the legacy of Pope Francis in fostering dialogue, solidarity, and fraternity as pathways to peace. The Bled gathering, established in 2006, has become a prominent platform for international reflection on political, security, and developmental challenges confronting Europe and the world.
A Call for Courageous Leadership
Archbishop Gallagher joined a high-level roundtable on “Revitalizing Leadership and Multilateralism in an Era of Conflict and Fragmentation.” He underlined that leadership for peace today must be bold, inclusive, and multilateral, pointing out that fragmentation within institutions and societies undermines credibility and deepens divisions. “Consensus building is no longer optional it is urgent,” he stated, urging participants to explore creative, “outside the box” solutions that begin at the grassroots and extend to international institutions such as the United Nations.
Consensus in Crisis
Acknowledging the growing challenges voiced by fellow participants, the Archbishop observed that many democracies are faltering because they fail to secure what citizens seek most prosperity and security. This vacuum, he noted, fuels the rise of populism and mistrust in governments. Yet he insisted that most political leaders still possess the ability to steer societies in a positive direction, provided dialogue and engagement are prioritized.
Rules-Based Order Under Pressure
When asked about the erosion of rules-based systems, Archbishop Gallagher warned of the selective adherence to norms. “Today, rules seem to matter only when they serve advantage,” he lamented, contrasting this with the earlier role of international norms as safeguards for all. Restoring faith in such systems, he suggested, requires renewed commitment to shared responsibility.
Towards a Shared Future
By spotlighting the Holy See’s consistent appeal for peace through dialogue, Archbishop Gallagher reinforced the Vatican’s message that healing today’s world demands patient listening, rebuilding trust, and forging consensus across all levels of society. At a forum dedicated to addressing Europe’s role in a world of conflict and uncertainty, his intervention served as a reminder that leadership for peace must be both courageous and collaborative.