Welcome to a journey through time and diplomacy, where the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, delivers a captivating ‘Lectio Magistralis’ in the ancient Roman city of Aquileia. Against the backdrop of Aquileia’s more than two thousand years of history, Archbishop Gallagher highlights the city’s unique sensitivity for peace, honed through the resolution of cultural, linguistic, and ethnic disparities.
In his address titled “Aquileia Magistra Pacis – A Counterpoint to the Diplomacy of the Holy See,” Archbishop Gallagher emphasizes the Holy See’s unwavering commitment to fostering peace amid global conflicts in regions like Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Azerbaijan, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Yemen. The Vatican’s diplomacy, Archbishop Gallagher clarifies, operates as a neutral party, aiming to unite opposing ideologies and political factions for the greater cause of peace.
With Aquileia as the backdrop, Archbishop Gallagher draws parallels between the city’s historic legacy as a cosmopolitan hub and its modern-day relevance in promoting dialogue, coexistence, and unity. From facilitating the spread of Christianity to fostering artistic, cultural, and spiritual exchange, Aquileia serves as a beacon of peaceful cohabitation.
In the context of today’s tumultuous global landscape, Archbishop Gallagher underscores the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to address root causes of conflicts, beyond surface-level interventions. The Holy See’s diplomatic approach, devoid of geopolitical interests, focuses on advocating for human rights, facilitating dialogue, and accompanying those who seek reconciliation.
As Archbishop Gallagher delves into the Holy See’s diplomatic engagements with countries like the former Yugoslav Republic, highlighting the role of dialogue and respect for diverse ethnicities, he invites reflection on migration crises along the Western Balkans route. Emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, Archbishop Gallagher underscores the Holy See’s call to welcome, protect, and integrate migrants, thereby fostering more cohesive and understanding societies.
Notable figures like Monsignor Luigi Faidutti, Archbishop Antonino Zecchini, Cardinal Celso Costantini, and Cardinal Guido Del Mestri, who dedicated their lives to dialogue and mediation, exemplify the enduring spirit of Aquileia in shaping diplomatic endeavors worldwide. Archbishop Gallagher envisions a world where “a communion of differences” prevails, dispelling animosity and nurturing concord for a harmonious future.
Join us in exploring the echoes of history and the vibrancy of modern diplomacy, intertwining past legacies with present challenges to forge a path towards lasting peace and understanding.
