March 5 to 8, 2026
Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Whit Fraser are undertaking a visit to the Italian Republic and the Holy See, from March 5 to 8, 2026.
March 5, 2026
In Vatican City, the Governor General met with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, and the Most Reverend Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States of the Holy See.
This first audience with His Holiness demonstrated the importance Canada attaches to its relationship with the Holy See, and provided an opportunity for the Governor General and the Pope to discuss areas of mutual interest, particularly reconciliation, social and economic justice and inclusion, mental health and well-being, and environmental stewardship. The Governor General also thanked His Holiness for his leadership in returning Indigenous artefacts to Canada.
Photo credit: Vatican Media
Photo credit: Vatican Media
Photo credit: Vatican Media
In Rome, the Governor General met with His Excellency Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic. The two reviewed shared priorities in keeping with the strong and evolving bilateral partnership that exists between Canada and Italy.
March 6, 2026
While in Italy, the Governor General also met with and cheered on members of the Canadian Paralympic Team competing in the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Her attendance highlighted her mandate priority of diversity and inclusion by celebrating the achievements of Paralympic athletes, challenging perceptions and highlighting what can be achieved when we prioritize inclusion.
She had the opportunity to meet with Para ice hockey athletes and engage in meaningful dialogue in Milan.
She later joined families and close friends of Canada’s Paralympic athletes to watch the opening ceremony.
March 7, 2026
Throughout the day, the Governor General attended sporting events at different venues in Cortina including para alpine competitions and a wheelchair curling match between Canada and Italy.