Bangladesh ambassador presents credentials to Pope Leo XIV in Vatican

Bangladesh has highlighted its steadfast commitment to communal harmony and peaceful coexistence among people of all faiths and communities in the country. Bangladesh Ambassador to Geneva Nahida Sobhan, who is concurrently accredited to the Holy See, made the commitment when she presented her Letters of Credence to Pope Leo XIV on Thursday at a solemn ceremony at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City. The ceremony was conducted with due ceremonial and protocol courtesies extended by the Holy See. M Jahirul Quayum, economic minister, and Sabuj Ahmed, counsellor of the mission, accompanied Ambassador Sobhan at the credential presentation ceremony.

The presentation of credentials was followed by an exchange of greetings between Pope Leo XIV and the ambassador along with her delegation. Nahida Sobhan appreciated the Holy See’s continued advocacy for global peace, action against climate change and humanitarian causes, including its support for the Rohingyas. She encouraged the Vatican’s continued efforts in promoting peace, justice, and the humane treatment of migrants and vulnerable populations worldwide. Prior to the presentation of credentials, Ambassador Sobhan held meetings with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State; Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, Substitute of the Secretariat of State; Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations; and Javier Fernández, Chief of Protocol of the Holy See.

During these meetings, she underscored the high importance Bangladesh attaches to its relations with the Holy See. She recalled the historic visits of Pope Francis to Bangladesh in 2017 and Pope John Paul II in 1986, describing both visits as significant milestones in bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the Holy See. During the bilateral meetings, the Holy See dignitaries expressed their expectation that engagement between Bangladesh and the Vatican would continue to deepen through regular exchanges and visits. They also commended Bangladesh for its humanitarian support extended to the Rohingya population.

The series of engagements reflected the mutual respect, goodwill, and shared commitment of Bangladesh and the Holy See to further strengthening bilateral relations, they said.