Pope's Inaugural Mass Precedes Arrival of Carney in Rome
In Rome and Among Global Leaders
Prime Minister Mark Carney touched down in the Eternal City early Saturday, bound for a series of meetings and the monumental occasion of Pope Leo XIV's inauguration.
This weekend, Carney will join esteemed figures from around the world, attending the inaugural Mass of the new pope—a prominent event marking the formal introduction of the spiritual leader.
Upon arrival, Carney was warmly welcomed by the Canadian Ambassador to Italy, Elissa Goldberg, Canada's Ambassador to the Holy See, Joyce Napier, and assorted Italian and Vatican officials.
As a dedicated Catholic, Carney takes this visit to the Vatican as both a personal and official milestone, having missed the funeral of his predecessor, Pope Francis, due to election schedule conflicts.
On the diplomatic front, Carney is scheduled for a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Italian President Sergio Mattarella. He's also anticipated to connect with other G7 leaders ahead of the G7 summit next month in Canada.
Accompanying Carney in Rome is a delegation of 13 Liberal MPs, comprising Catholic representatives and political figures hailing from ridings with sizable Catholic populations. Notable delegates include former cabinet minister Jean-Yves Duclos, Jaime Battiste, and Ottawa MPs Mona Fortier and Marie-France Lalonde.
Furthermore, Senators Toni Varone and Tony Loffreda, along with Cindy Woodhouse, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, and Metis National Council President Victoria Pruden, complete the Canadian delegation. Woodhouse emphasizes the importance of collaborating with the Vatican on Métis cultural artifact restitution.
Notably, meetings with elite global figures will likely span beyond the G7, engaging with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French Prime Minister François Bayrou, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, among others. These diplomatic sessions will hopefully nurture trade, commerce, and cultural ties.
This account originates from The Canadian Press, first published on May 17, 2025, offering a glimpse into the prime minister's fervent endeavors to strengthen international alliances and champion indigenous concerns within the Vatican's hallowed halls.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney's meet-ups in Rome, while primarily focused on G7 discussions, are also anticipated to broaden, involving leaders such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French Prime Minister François Bayrou, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
- In addition to diplomatic discussions, the Canadian delegation in Rome, consisting of Members of Parliament, Senators, and indigenous leaders, aims to address pressing issues like Métis cultural artifact restitution and strengthen ties with the Vatican.
- As Prime Minister Carney engages with global leaders and diplomats in this pivotal moment, the Canadian government's attention remains keenly focused on lifestyle, politics, and general-news updates from Toronto and Canada, ensuring a balanced approach to the evolving landscape of international affairs.
