Pope Francis Secretary of Relations Archbishop Gallagher arrives in Zambia for a working visit

Pope Francis Secretary of Relations with States Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher has arrived in the country for a four days’ working visit.

Archbishop Gallagher’s visit to Zambia is also part of the establishment’s fiftieth anniversary celebrations of diplomatic ties between the Holy See and the Republic of Zambia.

Speaking upon arrival at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport yesterday afternoon, Archbishop Gallagher praised Zambia for being an oasis of peace both in the region and the world over.

Archbishop Gallagher also reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to strengthening the existing bilateral relations with Zambia.

The Holy See remains committed to double its collaborative efforts with Zambia in key economic sectors such as health and education, he said.

Archbishop Gallagher was welcomed at the airport by Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Rayford Mbulu, Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi, His Excellency Archbishop Julio Murat Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) President and Archbishop of Lusaka Telesphore Mpundu.

Archbishop of Kasama Ignatius Chama, Bishop of Solwezi Charles Kasonde, ZEC Secretary General Fr. Cleophas Lungu, and Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate Zambia Delegation Superior Fr. Freeborn Kibombwe , were also among the local clergy that received the Archbishop.

Several priests, religious and members of the Catholic Church were also at hand to welcome Archbishop Gallagher.

While in the country, the Pope’s representative is expected to pay a courtesy call on President Edgar Lungu at State House, hold bilateral meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Harry Kalaba and meet First Republican President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda among other lined up activities.