Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, came to South Korea to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the East Asian nation.
The Secretariat of State officially announced Archbishop Gallagher’s visit, which runs from November 20 to 23, in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
During his stay, Archbishop Gallagher is scheduled to engage in various institutional meetings, including discussions with the Korean Prime Minister and the Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs.
These high-level interactions aim to strengthen the diplomatic ties between the two entities, according to a Vatican News report.
A symposium organized on the occasion of the 60th anniversary will feature Archbishop Gallagher as a key speaker.
The theme, inspired by Pope Francis’ trip to Seoul in August 2014, is “Being custodians of memory and custodians of hope,” which will reflect on the Church’s commitment to preserving the rich history of the relationship while fostering hope for the future.
The prelate will participate in religious events, including a Mass at the Seosomun Shrine. This sacred site commemorates the early Korean martyrs, with 103 individuals canonized by St John Paul II on May 6, 1984.
On September 16, Pope Francis urged the Korean faithful to rediscover their vocation as “apostles of peace” in all spheres of life.
The Pope emphasized the importance of becoming witnesses of reconciliation and advocating for peace, rejecting the use of violent force and promoting the gentle power of proximity.
