Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, is visiting India to strengthen diplomatic relations between the Holy See and India.
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, embarked on a visit to India this week. His visit aims to bolster ties of friendship and partnership between the Vatican and the Republic of India.
The Holy See’s Secretariat of State announced Archbishop Gallagher’s trip through a post on its official X account, @TerzaLoggia. According to the announcement, the Archbishop arrived in India on Sunday, July 13, and will stay in the country until Saturday, July 19.
The trip is part of ongoing efforts to consolidate and enhance the relationship between the Vatican and India. Despite Catholics constituting less than two percent of India’s predominantly Hindu population, their presence is significant, with over 23 million adherents across the nation.
The Catholic Church in India operates through three main rites: the Latin, Syro-Malabar, and Syro-Malankara. These diverse rites reflect the rich tapestry of traditions within the Church, which continues to be a vital part of the country’s religious landscape.
The visit by Archbishop Gallagher highlights the importance the Vatican places on its relationship with India, a nation noted for its cultural and religious diversity.
According to Vatican News, the visit is part of the Holy See’s broader efforts to foster international collaboration and dialogue.
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