Australia’s new ambassador to the Holy See, Keith Pitt, says the Catholic Church remains relevant to Australia’s strategic interests, citing its charitable work in the Pacific as a prime example. Source: The Nightly.
The former Liberal National MP arrived in Rome six weeks ago, after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reached across the political aisle to appoint him ambassador before the election.
He did not have the opportunity to present his credentials to the late Pope Francis before his death meaning that as ambassador-designate, he was not able to meet the new Pontiff alongside the Prime Minister inside the Basilica after Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural mass on Sunday.
Neither was he able to attend Mr Albanese’s private audience on Monday afternoon with the new Pope at the Apostolic Palace inside Vatican City.
Mr Albanese was one of a number of the 151 world leaders and dignitaries the Pontiff received after they attended his Inauguration Mass on Sunday.
Mr Pitt endorsed Mr Albanese’s decision to extend his scheduled trip beyond Indonesia to the Vatican for the Inauguration Mass.
“It is important that we send delegations of the highest level, so the Governor-General attended the funeral — the Prime Minister is here for the inauguration,” he said.
“That is just an important reflection of the significance of the event and the work of the Church and the Pope in particular.
Asked what interests Australia was advancing in the Catholic Church, Mr Pitt said its charitable work in the Pacific, which is the target of fierce competition between China and the West, was key.
“If you look at an area like the Pacific for example … there’s a Cardinal for Tonga for example,” he said.
“The Vatican sometimes helps make those quieter voices heard. It’s a critical area for Australia.
“When you look at the fact that there’s over 1.2 billion Catholics around the world and the amount of significant work that the Church does, that’s why it’s critical.
“It’s not just about the fact that it’s a faith-based organisation, it’s a global institution that has significant influence — and it’s it’s own country.”
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Anthony Albanese meets Pope Leo after securing first prime ministerial audience with pontiff in 16 years (By Latika Bourke, The Nightly)
