Bishop Lowe meets Pope Leo, extends invitation to visit

Bishop Steve meets Pope Leo XIV (Photo: Supplied/Vatican Media)

Bishop Steve Lowe says it was a “graced moment” to meet Pope Leo XIV recently and to bring to the Holy Father the prayers of the Catholic community in New Zealand.

The Bishop of Auckland and president of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference had a private audience with Pope Leo after the completion of a Jubilee Year pilgrimage that included holy places in Europe with New Zealand connections.

“It was a blessed journey with a group of Kiwis whose faith has descended from some of the great saints of our Church’s history,” Bishop Lowe said.

“To visit Lyon, where the Church’s roots date back to the first century and from where Suzanne Aubert and Bishop Pompallier came to New Zealand, was a source of joy for all of us.”

After the pilgrimage ended, Bishop Lowe met with Pope Leo at the Vatican. The woman many hope will become New Zealand’s first saint was one topic of discussion.

Bishop Lowe spoke of the affection New Zealanders have for Suzanne Aubert and gave the Pope a copy of the book Spiritual Tonics, which includes reflections and quotations from Mother Aubert.

“I also had the chance to share with the Holy Father how warmly his election was welcomed in New Zealand,” Bishop Lowe explained.

“As someone who served in Peru for many years, Pope Leo understands what it’s like to be a long distance from Rome, but to remain deeply connected with the global Church, under the pastoral care of the Holy Father.”

During the meeting, Bishop Lowe also extended an invitation for Pope Leo to visit New Zealand in the coming years.

“It’s almost 40 years since our first – and only – papal visit,” Bishop Lowe said.

“I was able to explain to Pope Leo that the Church in New Zealand is multicultural and vibrant and active in our country. I told him that a visit from the Holy Father would be a wonderful boost for the Catholic faithful in Aotearoa.

“I very much hope to get the chance to welcome him to our shores in the next few years.”