Prospects of visit by new Pope

THE prospect of the new Pope, Pope Leo XIV, visiting Sri Lanka reportedly arose during the recent visit of Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations. A papal visit would be a momentous event, a rare gesture of recognition and solidarity from the Vatican to a country still grappling with the legacies of conflict, inequality, and moral uncertainty and no doubt cause for great celebration.

- 

However, there are many questions. The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka today is perceived to be led by one of the most divisive figures in recent memory. A papal visit would risk lending legitimacy to views that run directly counter to the inclusive and compassionate spirit emanating in recent years from Rome and presumably endorsed by the new Pope as well.