ROME – Prime Minister Mark Carney is currently in the Vatican, leading a Canadian delegation for the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV. As a devout Catholic, Carney's participation reflects both personal and national significance, as he joins other world leaders and heads of state for a brief meeting with the pontiff inside Saint Peter's Basilica following the mass.
During his first official visit to Italy, which occurred on May 17, 2025, Carney had the opportunity to meet with several prominent figures, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he hosted at Canada's Official Residence in Rome. This interaction underscores Canada's commitment to international diplomacy and support for Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions in the region.
The Canadian delegation to the Vatican also includes thirteen Members of Parliament (MPs), among them Nova Scotia MP Jaime Battiste. Battiste expressed his eagerness to hear the Pope's address during the mass, noting its significance akin to the governmental "speech from the throne" in Canada. Speaking to reporters, he articulated the importance of the Pope's messages in setting the tone for future leadership and engagement.
Indigenous leaders in Canada have long urged the Vatican to return thousands of Indigenous artifacts taken from their communities. The late Pope Francis had previously indicated a willingness to facilitate the return of these colonial-era artifacts housed in the Vatican Museum. Battiste reported that the matter was discussed in his meeting with Canadian Catholic Cardinals, emphasizing that their return is a crucial step towards reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada. He remarked, "Reconciliation is a journey, not a destination, and we all have steps to take on that journey." His pride in Prime Minister Carney's advocacy for this reconciliation underscores the significance of these discussions within Canadian politics.
Another notable member of the delegation, Quebec MP Jean-Yves Duclos, highlighted the important role the church plays in fostering peace between nations. Recently, Pope Leo XIV proposed to host peace talks at the Vatican aimed at resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Duclos reiterated the critical need for peace in the world, stating, "We need more peace in this world, and I think we will be hearing more of that on the part of the Pope." He also noted that the church, despite being a small state, holds considerable influence in uniting diverse groups and promoting harmony rather than division among humanity.
This gathering marks not only a cultural and religious milestone but also serves as a platform where pressing international issues, including Indigenous reconciliation and global peace efforts, can be addressed. The interactions at the Vatican reflect a broader commitment among leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue and advocate for constructive solutions to ongoing conflicts and historical grievances.
The report, originally published on May 18, 2025, highlights a significant moment in diplomatic relations and offers a glimpse into the intersection of faith, politics, and reconciliation on the global stage.
