Bangladesh envoy presents credentials to Pope Leo XIV

Bangladesh Ambassador Nahida Sobhan has presented her credentials to Pope Leo XIV at Vatican City, reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening relations with the Holy See and promoting peace, communal harmony and humanitarian cooperation.

The ambassador, who is concurrently accredited to the Holy See, submitted her Letters of Credence during a solemn ceremony held at the Apostolic Palace, Secretariat of State on May 21, according to a foreign ministry press release issued this morning.

Economic Minister M Jahirul Quayum and Counsellor Sabuj Ahmed accompanied the envoy during the ceremony, which was followed by an exchange of greetings between the Pope and the Bangladesh delegation.

Before presenting her credentials, Ambassador Sobhan met 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 Organizations; and Javier Fernández, Chief of Protocol of the Holy See.

During the meetings, the ambassador underscored the importance Bangladesh places on its relations with the Holy See. She also recalled the landmark visits of Pope Francis to Bangladesh in 2017 and Pope John Paul II in 1986, describing them as significant milestones in bilateral ties.

She reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to communal harmony and peaceful coexistence among people of all religions and communities.

The ambassador also praised the Holy See’s role in advocating for global peace, climate action and humanitarian issues, including support for forcibly displaced Rohingyas.

Holy See officials expressed hope that bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the Holy See would continue to expand through regular exchanges and visits. They also commended Bangladesh for its humanitarian support for the Rohingya population.

The meetings reflected the shared commitment of Bangladesh and the Holy See to deepening bilateral cooperation and mutual understanding.