Archbishop Gallagher in Panama to mark 100 years of diplomatic relations
The Vatican Secretary for Relations with States concludes a four-day visit to Panama on the occasion of the centenary of diplomatic relations with the Holy See.
By Vatican News
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Vatican secretary for relations with states and international organizations, concludes a visit to Panama on Thursday to mark the centenary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Central American country.
During his four-day trip, from April 1 to 4, he met with political authorities, celebrated mass in Panama's cathedral, met with representatives of the Catholic community and visited a reception center for migrants.
The Vatican Secretary for Relations with States was invited by the Panamanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Janaina Tewaney Mencomo.
Visit to the Migrant Reception Center
On his first day in Panama, Bishop Gallagher, accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, visited Darién, a province in the east of the country, bordering Colombia and the Pacific Ocean. This is where hundreds of thousands of migrants embark on a journey through the Darien jungle as they try to reach the United States.
It is one of the most dangerous roads in the world, rife with natural hazards and where vulnerable people are increasingly victims of theft, extortion and other forms of violence. It is estimated that thousands of men, women and children died during the crossing.
Survivors are welcomed and assisted at Lajas Blancas reception center to which Pope Francis sent a message of closeness and support on March 21, 2024.
Bishop Gallagher visited the Center and met the pastoral agents of the Apostolic Vicariate and the authorities of Senafront, the National Border Service.
Archbishop Gallagher in Panama
Meeting with the authorities and the Catholic community
On April 3, the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States met the President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, then gave a Lectio Magistralis at the Catholic University of Santa Maria La Antigua from Panama.
On April 4, the last day of the visit, the archbishop met with the Panamanian Catholic community and celebrated mass in the Catholic cathedral of the Panamanian capital.
Archbishop Gallagher in Panama
