Vatican Foreign Minister to Visit Sri Lanka

02-Nov-2025

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Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States (Foreign Minister), will arrive in Sri Lanka on an official visit on November 3, at the invitation of Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath. 

He will remain in the country until November 8, during which he will participate in several high-level meetings.

The Vatican Foreign Minister is scheduled to meet President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, and other senior officials. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the visit underscores the Church’s continued engagement in strengthening bilateral relations and supporting post-conflict reconciliation efforts in Sri Lanka.

The visit coincides with the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Vatican. During his high-level meetings, the Archbishop is expected to discuss bilateral cooperation and shared humanitarian priorities.

He will also deliver a commemorative address at an event celebrating five decades of diplomatic contribution between Sri Lanka and the Vatican, to be held at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo. Additionally, he will visit cultural and religious sites of significance across the country, including churches affected by the Easter Sunday attacks.