For the first time in New Zealand history, the Governor General met with Pope Francis. During the private audience with Sir Jerry Mateparae the two men spoke of social and economic life in New Zealand as well as the Catholic Church’s involvement in New Zealand society. They also discussed some international issues.
New Zealand and the Holy See have had diplomatic relations since 1973. But this is the first time a governor general has met the pope in Rome.
As usual for such visits, the Governor General met with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin and the Secretary for Relations with States, Dominique Mamberti.