Sir Jerry meets Pope Francis
Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae has invited Pope Francis to visit New Zealand while meeting him in Italy.
A video by romereports.com has been released on the governor-general's Facebook page showing the meeting and some of the conversations between the two.
"We would be absolutely honoured if you could come to our part of the world for a visit," Sir Jerry says.
He presented Pope Francis with a koru pounamu and told him it signified peace and understanding. The Pope gave him a pen, which Sir Jerry said he would use for important documents.
The Vatican released a statement about the meeting saying the audience with Pope Francis was followed by a meeting with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for relations with states.
"During the cordial discussions the parties focused on a number of aspects of the social and economic life of the country, as well as the valuable contribution of the Catholic church in various sectors of New Zealand society," the Vatican statement said.
"There was also an exchange of opinions on the international situation, with particular reference to regional co-operation in various development programmes and participation in peace missions in different parts of the world."
Sir Jerry, a former head of the New Zealand Defence Force, is also in Italy for the 70th anniversary commemorations of the battle of Monte Cassino during World World II.
He will attend a New Zealand service of remembrance at Cassino railway station on Sunday NZT.
He will be saluted by Prince Harry at a service of commemoration at the Cassino Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery on Monday morning NZ time.
About 38 New Zealand veterans, including members of the Maori Battalion, and Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman will be attending the events.
Monte Cassino was one of the most significant battles New Zealand forces were involved in during the Italian campaign, and there were heavy casualties on both sides, Dr Coleman said.
