Archbishop Khalid Rehmat, the newly appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Lahore, received the sacred Pallium from Pope Leo XIV during the Eucharistic celebration for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul at Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City on June 29, 2026.
The formal conferral brought together newly appointed metropolitan archbishops from around the world, who received the Pallium as a visible sign of their pastoral authority and communion with the Holy See.
The Pallium is a traditional ecclesiastical vestment woven from the wool of lambs blessed on the Feast of Saint Agnes. Worn around the shoulders, this circular band symbolizes the image of the Good Shepherd carrying a lost sheep, representing the pastoral care, sacrifice, and service entrusted to the Archbishop.
Reflecting on receiving the pallium, Archbishop Khalid Rehmat said, "I have been called to be a faithful and responsible shepherd."
For the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Lahore, this event strengthens the institutional and spiritual bonds between the local Church in Pakistan and the universal Church. Fr. Asif Sardar, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Lahore, said that “The Pallium is a beautiful sign of communion with the Holy Father and of the pastoral authority entrusted for the shepherding of the faithful of our Archdiocese. We pray that this sacred symbol may strengthen Archbishop Khalid Rehmat with wisdom, grace, and courage as he continues to lead us in faith, unity, and love.”
Commenting on the event from Sindh, Fr. Ashfaq Anthony, OFM Cap, remarked that this serves as a direct reminder that the small flock in Pakistan is never forgotten, but is intimately linked to the universal Body of Christ. He emphasized that this ceremony infuses the local leadership with fresh energy to continue standing on the frontlines of service, legal advocacy, and grassroots human rights defense with courage and humility.
Expressing her deep spiritual joy, Sister Shakila Bhatti, CSJ, said that this is an invitation for the entire local Church to deepen its prayer life, renew its spiritual vows, and walk together in genuine synodal love, finding strength in the knowledge that their daily hidden sacrifices are woven into the very heart of the universal Church.
Fr. Pascal Paulus, OP, extended best wishes to Archbishop Khalid Rehmat. The Dominican friar highlighted the Pallium as a sacred symbol of pastoral authority and a mandate to shepherd Christ's flock with faithfulness, humility, and love.
Local communities are observing the occasion with prayers for Archbishop Rehmat, asking for continued wisdom and strength as he leads his diocese and works to promote peace, dialogue, and justice throughout Pakistan.
