Archbishop Gallagher Strengthens Ties in the Philippines
On the second day of his visit to the Philippines, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, engaged in significant meetings with key figures in the country.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr warmly welcomed Archbishop Gallagher at the Presidential Palace of Malacañang in Manila, emphasizing the deep Catholic roots of the nation. “We are not only a Catholic country but a very Catholic country,” Marcos Jr remarked.
During his stay in the Philippines, Archbishop Gallagher will spend five days immersed in various engagements. His visit underscores the enduring partnership between the Holy See and the Philippines. “We have continued to work closely with the Vatican for many, many years now,” President Marcos Jr affirmed.
Upholding International Order
Prior to his meeting with President Marcos, Archbishop Gallagher met with Enrique Manalo, the Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines. Together, they discussed common global issues that concern both the Philippines and the Holy See.
Manalo reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to upholding a rules-based international order, acknowledging the Holy See’s pivotal role in promoting peace, human rights, and development cooperation worldwide.
Shared Values and Priorities
Archbishop Gallagher emphasized the significance of the relationship between the Holy See and the Philippines, recognizing the valuable contributions of Filipino Catholics to the global Catholic community. He praised Filipino Catholics as effective evangelizers and carriers of the Gospel’s message.
Expressing alignment on key values and visions, Archbishop Gallagher highlighted the Holy See’s commitment to resolving conflicts through dialogue and negotiation. He expressed optimism about continued collaboration between the Holy See and the Republic of the Philippines.
Upcoming Engagements
Archbishop Gallagher’s itinerary in the Philippines includes a visit to Malaybalay on July 3, where he will participate in the plenary session of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. The following day, he will join the bishops in celebrating mass at the Abbey of the Transfiguration in Malaybalay.
On Friday, July 5, Archbishop Gallagher is slated to partake in a conference at the Foreign Service Institute in Manila, further cementing the ties between the Holy See and the Republic of the Philippines.
