DHAKA, May 23, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh Ambassador Nahida Sobhan has presented her credentials to Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican City, reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Holy See and promoting peace, communal harmony and humanitarian cooperation. 

The Bangladesh envoy, concurrently accredited to the Holy See, presented her Letters of Credence at a solemn ceremony held at the Apostolic Palace, Secretariat of State on May 21, said a foreign ministry press release here this morning. 

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

Prior to the credential presentation, 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 Organizations; and Javier Fernández, Chief of Protocol of the Holy See. 

During the meetings, the ambassador highlighted the 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 them as milestones in bilateral relations. 

She also reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to communal harmony and peaceful coexistence among people of all faiths and communities. 

The ambassador appreciated the Holy See’s advocacy for global peace, climate action and humanitarian causes, including support for forcibly displaced Rohingyas. 

Holy See dignitaries expressed optimism that bilateral engagement between Bangladesh and the Holy See would continue to deepen through regular exchanges and visits. 

They also commended Bangladesh for its humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya population.

 The engagements reflected the shared commitment of Bangladesh and the Holy See to further strengthening bilateral cooperation and mutual understanding.