Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed he will attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV following his first visit to Indonesia since this month’s election.
Mr Albanese, who is Catholic, told reporters on Monday it will be an “incredible honour” to be in Vatican City alongside other world leaders for the historic event.
The inauguration mass will take place in St Peter’s Square next Sunday, May 18, at 10am, local time.
Mr Albanese also reflected on what his mother, who passed away in 2002, would have thought of his attendance.
“It was Mother’s Day yesterday and can I say this – my mum would be pretty chuffed at the idea that her son will be going as Prime Minister to see the inauguration of a Pope in the Vatican City,” he said.
The Prime Minister said arrangements were still being finalised for his journey from Jakarta to Rome so he can attend the inauguration.
Mr Albanese will depart Australia for the Indonesian capital on Wednesday for a bilateral meeting with President Prabowo Subianto.
“We’re sorting out logistics at the moment to travel from Jakarta to Rome and to the Vatican City to be able to attend and represent Australia at that event which will be so important for Catholics around the world and those of faith here in Australia as well,” he said.
“This comes at an important time for the Catholic Church and for the world and my government looks forward to continuing Australia’s strong relationship with the Holy See under Pope Leo’s pontificate.”
Mr Albanese said he expected to also hold face-to-face talks with several other world leaders while in Vatican City, including Canada’s new Prime Minister who he has yet to meet in person.
“It will be an opportunity to have bilateral discussions with a range of world leaders who will be there, people I haven’t met before face-to-face, including Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada’s confirmed that he will be there,” he said.
“But leaders are reaching out and organising meetings on the side, if you like, given people will be in Rome.”
Mr Albanese also made mention of French President Emmanuel Macron and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
“Obviously there’s discussions to be held as well about trade and tariff issues with Europe as well,” he said.
“We tried to have a free trade agreement with Europe and it will be good to have a discussion further about whether that can be advanced.
“We chose not to conclude that because it wasn’t in Australia’s national interest, but quite clearly in today’s uncertain world, with tariffs and trade issues being so central, no doubt there will be discussions.”
