Holy Father Pope Francis received in audience in the Vatican the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, General Sir Peter Cosgrove. Later, the Governor-General met Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin accompanied by the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States Archbishop His Grace Paul Gallagher.
As reported by Vatican news, a Vatican statement said after the meetings that “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.”
Australia’s formal name is the Commonwealth of Australia. The Governor-General of Australia is the representative of the Australian monarch, currently Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. The Governor-General is appointed by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister of Australia.
