Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, who also serves as the country’s envoy to the Holy See, presented her credentials to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV during a ceremony at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican on December 6.
The Sri Lankan embassy to the Holy See in Geneva reported that the event was attended by senior Vatican officials, with a delegation of non-resident ambassadors from Uzbekistan, Moldova, Bahrain, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Liberia, Thailand, Lesotho, South Africa, Fiji, Micronesia, Latvia, and Finland also presenting credentials.
Pope Leo XIV, in the Jubilee Year of Hope, welcomed the new ambassadors and reflected that peace requires more than the absence of conflict—it is a proactive, demanding gift, especially as global tensions and fragmentation intensify. He stressed that the Holy See will not stand by silently in the face of grave disparities, injustices, or violations of fundamental human rights, and urged attention to those living in poverty or on the margins of society.
The Pope noted that constructive engagement between the Holy See and the nations represented by the newly appointed ambassadors can help address these concerns. He expressed hope that such cooperation will renew multilateral efforts at a moment when international bodies designed to resolve disputes are badly needed.
Ambassador Arunatilaka conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and requested that the Holy Father keep Sri Lanka in his prayers as the country recovers from the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
During a credentials side event, the ambassador held separate discussions with Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations Archbishop Paul Gallagher. The talks included a briefing on the cyclone’s destruction and recognition of the humanitarian aid provided by the Catholic Church through Caritas Sri Lanka.
Topics of shared interest in bilateral relations included migration, disarmament, and interfaith dialogue. Archbishop Gallagher recalled Sri Lanka’s and the Holy See’s high-level exchanges and praised the warm hospitality extended during his November 2025 visit to Sri Lanka, which marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two, and noted the ongoing friendship between the two states.
