Islamabad: Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, has stressed that peace, human dignity and religious freedom remain at the centre of the Vatican’s diplomatic mission, saying its international engagement is guided by moral values rather than political or economic interests.
He made the remarks at a conference in Islamabad on October 9 to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Pakistan. His visit, which was scheduled to continue until October 10, aimed to strengthen friendship and cooperation between the two sides.
Archbishop Gallagher explained that the Holy See approaches international relations through its spiritual mission and commitment to fundamental human rights. He said its diplomatic work seeks to promote the common good, support human development and protect vulnerable communities.
The Holy See maintains diplomatic relations with 184 states and participates in the United Nations as a Permanent Observer. Its approach, described as “positive neutrality”, allows it to engage with different political systems without aligning itself with particular ideologies.
According to the Archbishop, this position enables the Holy See to speak on issues affecting peace and human rights and, in certain circumstances, help mediate international conflicts. He emphasised that protecting vulnerable people should take priority over narrow national interests.
Addressing relations with Asian countries, Archbishop Gallagher highlighted the importance of religious freedom, freedom of conscience and freedom of expression. He noted that Christianity has a history spanning nearly two thousand years in parts of Asia and said bilateral agreements had helped Catholic communities carry out their religious, educational and charitable activities.
He also pointed to opportunities for cooperation in areas such as the recognition of academic qualifications, the protection of artistic heritage and support for charitable institutions. Such initiatives, he said, demonstrate how the Church can contribute to the development of local communities beyond its religious activities.
Recalling the history of relations between the Holy See and Pakistan, Archbishop Gallagher highlighted gestures of solidarity by previous popes.
On November 27, 1970, Pope Paul VI stopped in Dhaka, then part of East Pakistan, following a devastating natural disaster that had claimed thousands of lives. His visit sought to express solidarity with the affected population and draw international attention to their suffering.
Pope Paul VI described himself as a friend and brother to the people he met, expressing a sense of solidarity that extended beyond religious differences and recognised the shared humanity of all people.
On February 16, 1981, Pope John Paul II visited Karachi, where he reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s respect for Islam. He also referred to Abraham as a figure shared by Christian, Muslim and Jewish traditions. Archbishop Gallagher said the visit helped encourage dialogue and build mutual trust among religious communities.
The Archbishop also recalled the work of Sister Ruth Pfau, who spent more than 50 years caring for people affected by leprosy in Pakistan. He described her service as an example of the “diplomacy of life”, through which practical care can restore dignity and help people who face exclusion regain their place in society.
Sister Pfau's work went beyond medical treatment, bringing attention to people who were often marginalised. When she died in 2017, Pakistan honoured her with a state funeral in recognition of her contribution, which crossed religious, ethnic and national boundaries.
Archbishop Gallagher said her life demonstrated how the Holy See’s mission could find expression not only through formal diplomatic relations but also through service to people in need.
Concluding his address, he reiterated that papal diplomacy seeks to uphold universal values rather than follow short term political interests. He stressed that the exercise of authority must respect moral principles and the inherent dignity of every person.
As the Holy See and Pakistan mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, Archbishop Gallagher identified human dignity, religious freedom, peace and social justice as shared values that could strengthen cooperation between them.
He said these principles, found in both Islamic tradition and the Christian vision, offer a basis for building a more just and peaceful society.