Islamabad lauds Pope Leo’s call for ‘just resolution’ of Palestine conflict as Vatican’s top diplomat tours Pakistan

Pakistan on Friday welcomed Pope Leo XIV’s calls for peace and a “just resolution” of the Palestine conflict as Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met the Vatican’s top diplomat, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, in Islamabad, Anadolu reports.

Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Palestinians and expressed concern over the continuing humanitarian crisis, the Foreign Ministry said on US social media company X.

Both officials emphasized sustained international efforts to advance peace in the region, according to the ministry.

Gallagher, the Holy See’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations, commended Pakistan’s role in promoting regional stability through mediation, dialogue and diplomacy.

Dar acknowledged the Vatican’s contribution to interfaith harmony and praised Pakistan’s Catholic community for its work in education and health care.

Gallagher arrived Thursday for his maiden three-day visit, the first by a Vatican foreign minister to the Muslim-majority nation.

The visit marks 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the Holy See, established in 1951.

Gallagher is also expected to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and representatives of the Catholic community, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Pakistan has approximately 3.3 million Christians, accounting for 1.37% of its population, according to the country’s 2023 census.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.