Pope Francis on June 25, 2018, received in audience in the Apostolic Palace the Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, General Sir Peter Cosgrove, who subsequently met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, secretary for Relations with States.
During the cordial discussion, the themes of migration, at both global and regional levels, and climate change, were considered. Mention was also made of the role of the Church in Australian society, and the current discussion on the protection of minors and vulnerable people, reiterating the commitment of all members of the Church in this regard.
Attention then turned to the social situation of the country, and to the question of peace and stability in the entire region of the Pacific and of Asia.
Cosgrove and wife Lynne also presented the Holy Father with an Australian World Cup jersey. The Vatican has no comment on whether this would alter the Pope’s loyalties in the global soccer event.
