ISLAMABAD
\nHis Excellency Msgr. Germano Penemote, the Apostolic Nuncio to Pakistan, has lauded Pakistan\u2019s commitment to peace, security, and interfaith harmony, describing the country as a land of great potential and hospitality. In an exclusive interview with Daily Islamabad Post, Centreline, and Diplomatic News Agency (DNA), the Holy See envoy reflected on six decades of Pakistan\u201cVatican relations, the mission of the Catholic Church in the country, and his vision for promoting education, dialogue, and mutual understanding among all faiths.
\nAppointed Apostolic Nuncio to Pakistan in 2023, Archbishop Penemote said his mission has been guided by the core values of Vatican diplomacy dialogue, compassion, and service to humanity. The diplomacy of the Holy See, one of the oldest and most respected in history, seeks to promote the common good through understanding and peaceful coexistence, he said. Since my arrival in Pakistan, I have sought to meet people, listen to their concerns, and work with them for solutions. I have brought neither gold nor silver, but a heart full of esteem and respect for the beloved Pakistani people.
\nThe Nuncio emphasized that his efforts are focused on strengthening bilateral ties between the Holy See and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, while supporting the Catholic Church\u2019s humanitarian and educational work in the country. Our institutions continue to serve all Pakistanis Muslims, Christians, and people of other faiths in education, healthcare, and social welfare, he added. We do not sound trumpets or seek publicity; our mission is quiet but constant to serve humanity.
\nReflecting on the long-standing diplomatic ties between Pakistan and the Vatican, Archbishop Penemote said relations have been strong and stable since their formal establishment in 1965. We are about to celebrate sixty years of the Apostolic Nunciature\u2019s establishment in Pakistan, a symbol of mutual respect and uninterrupted friendship, he said. The Nuncio has always lived and worked in Pakistan, which speaks to the strength of our relationship.
\nHowever, he noted the need for a formal legal framework to further facilitate Catholic institutions\u2019 contributions to national development. We hope to conclude a legal agreement that will ensure our schools, hospitals, and social organizations can continue serving all Pakistanis effectively, he explained. It is heartening to meet Pakistanis who proudly say they studied at Catholic schools institutions known for providing quality education and nurturing responsible citizens.
\nOne of the Nuncio\u2019s most ambitious ideas is the establishment of a Catholic University in Pakistan a center for inclusive, high-quality education open to students of all faiths. A Catholic University would greatly contribute to interfaith dialogue and national cohesion, he said. Such an institution could become a regional beacon of knowledge and peace, attracting students from neighboring countries and fostering understanding across cultures and religions.
\nDiscussing the Church\u2019s role in promoting interfaith harmony, the Vatican envoy highlighted the importance of the Second Vatican Council\u2019s Declaration Nostra Aetate, which emphasizes dialogue and friendship between the Catholic Church and non-Christian religions. This landmark document transformed relations among faiths by promoting respect and collaboration, he said. In Pakistan, the Catholic Church continues to uphold these principles through education, dialogue, and outreach.
\nHe also acknowledged Pakistan\u2019s growing engagement for peace and stability in the region. Pakistan is increasingly committed to internal and external peace, he said. It plays a constructive role in defending oppressed peoples and promoting global stability. This commitment should remain the guiding principle for the country\u2019s future, especially for its youth.
\nThe Nuncio praised the social and humanitarian services rendered by Catholic institutions across Pakistan. From St. Patrick\u2019s College in Karachi to La Salle High School in Faisalabad, and from Holy Family Hospital in Karachi to St. Joseph\u2019s Hospice in Rawalpindi, Catholic institutions are serving society selflessly, he observed. These schools, hospitals, and shelters provide education and healthcare to people of all backgrounds, helping to uplift communities and promote social justice.
\nHe commended the work of Catholic sisters and missionaries, including the Sisters of Mother Teresa of Calcutta and the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret, who serve the poor and sick across the country. They are the living example of faith in action dedicating their lives to serving those most in need, he said.
\nTouching on issues of social justice, environmental care, and sustainable development, Archbishop Penemote said the Church has been proactive in all these areas. Everywhere I go, I see local Catholic communities planting trees, visiting marginalized groups, and engaging with youth. The Church promotes human dignity and rejects exploitation and discrimination of any kind, he affirmed.
\nConcluding his remarks, the Nuncio offered a heartfelt message of unity and hope to the people of Pakistan. All Pakistanis regardless of religion or background must recognize that they are brothers and children of the same motherland, he said. Unity is the victory of a nation.<\/p>\n
Let peace begin in our hearts, our families, and our communities, and extend to the nation and the world.
\nHe also called upon the youth to act responsibly in the age of social media. A single word can start a fire, he cautioned. Use your voice to build, not to destroy. Be ambassadors of peace and goodwill.
\nPakistan\u2019s values of hospitality, solidarity, and faith are its greatest strengths, the Vatican diplomat concluded. With unity, compassion, and dialogue, Pakistan will continue to play an essential role in promoting peace and human dignity across the world. Long live Pakistan!.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD His Excellency Msgr. Germano Penemote, the Apostolic Nuncio to Pakistan, has lauded Pakistan\u2019s commitment to peace, security, and interfaith harmony, describing the country as a land of great potential and hospitality. In an exclusive interview with Daily Islamabad Post, Centreline, and Diplomatic News Agency (DNA), the Holy See envoy reflected on six decades of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":514039,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-514013","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n