Colombo: Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, has embarked on an official visit to Sri Lanka from November 3 to 8 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the island nation. The six-day trip underscores the Vatican’s enduring commitment to peace, dialogue, and interreligious harmony in Sri Lanka.
The visit coincides with the golden jubilee of diplomatic ties established on September 6, 1975, marking half a century of collaboration rooted in mutual respect and shared humanitarian values. Archbishop Gallagher’s presence aims to deepen the Holy See’s partnership with Sri Lanka in advancing social reconciliation, peacebuilding, and the defense of human dignity.
Upon his arrival on Monday, Archbishop Gallagher was welcomed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra, according to the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry. Later that day, he held discussions with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation and strengthening the Church’s role in fostering unity among Sri Lanka’s diverse communities.
On November 4, Archbishop Gallagher’s itinerary included official meetings with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath. These high-level encounters centered on the shared pursuit of peace, human rights, and interfaith understanding themes that have long characterized the Holy See’s diplomatic outreach.
Later in the day, the Archbishop addressed a commemorative conference titled “The Holy See’s Perspective and Commitment to Dialogue and Peace”, held in Colombo to honor the milestone anniversary. In his address, he highlighted the importance of dialogue as a moral and spiritual imperative, affirming that “lasting peace grows not from political convenience, but from the recognition of every person’s dignity as a child of God.”
A deeply moving moment of the visit will be Archbishop Gallagher’s pilgrimage to the sites of the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which claimed the lives of more than 250 people. His visit to these sacred places of sorrow, including St. Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade and St. Sebastian’s Church in Negombo, is expected to be marked by prayer and remembrance for the victims and their families.
At St. Lucia’s Cathedral in Colombo, he will preside over a Mass of Thanksgiving, offering prayers for the nation’s healing and reconciliation. He will also meet with members of the Sri Lankan Episcopal Conference, reaffirming the Church’s solidarity with local communities still carrying the scars of the attacks.
Continuing his journey, Archbishop Gallagher will travel to Kandy on November 6, where he is scheduled to meet with the Malwatta and Asgiriya religious authorities two of the highest-ranking Buddhist leaders in the country. He will also visit a prominent Buddhist temple in the region, emphasizing the Holy See’s commitment to dialogue among religions as a cornerstone for peace and mutual understanding.
The visit will conclude at the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka, where Archbishop Gallagher will meet with seminarians and faculty members. There, he is expected to speak on the Church’s mission in a changing world, encouraging future priests to serve as “ambassadors of reconciliation” in a society striving for harmony.
Archbishop Gallagher’s journey to Sri Lanka stands not only as a diplomatic milestone but also as a spiritual pilgrimage of memory and renewal. By retracing the paths of pain and hope, and by engaging with leaders across religious and political lines, the Vatican envoy’s visit reflects Pope Leo XIV’s broader vision of a Church that listens, heals, and builds bridges.
As Sri Lanka and the Holy See mark fifty years of friendship, the visit serves as a reminder that true diplomacy grounded in faith and compassion continues to be one of the Church’s most powerful instruments for peace.