Vatican Diplomacy at the Catholic University of Lublin

"The Holy See continues today to stand in the service of peaceful human coexistence worldwide," said Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, head of Vatican diplomacy, during a special lecture at the Catholic University of Lublin (KUL). He emphasized that papal diplomacy is unique in not seeking ways to wield power.

"One of the priorities of Vatican diplomacy has always been to ensure the libertas Ecclesiae, that is, the life and activity of a concrete community of believers," stated Archbishop Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations for the Holy See, in his lecture entitled "The Diplomacy of the Holy See in the Contemporary World." He highlighted that Vatican diplomacy is fundamentally a diplomacy of mercy. He explained that, on the international stage, the Vatican consistently strives to uphold human dignity and foster dialogue. "We are building a world of dialogue, for dialogue is the only proper path. We work toward harmony and avoid division. Our goal is to de-escalate conflicts," he clarified, underscoring the principles guiding the Holy See's international relations.

Archbishop Gallagher pointed to modern challenges in the Holy See's activities in both bilateral and multilateral forums: "The Holy See seeks, first and foremost, to lift up the downtrodden and most vulnerable. It is active on the humanitarian level to support, for example, the exchange of prisoners and engage in international negotiations. It has been particularly dedicated to pursuing the lofty objective of peace in various and nuanced ways."

Archbishop Gallagher's lecture was part of the Catholic University of Lublin's Center for Diplomatic Studies project. "We aim to cultivate a space for dialogue and human relations at our university, including within the framework of various forms of diplomatic activity," said KUL Rector Fr. Professor Mirosław Kalinowski in his opening speech.