Media Advisory - Governor General to visit Italy, Vatican City and attend Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games Français
OTTAWA, ON, March 3, 2026 /CNW/ - Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Whit Fraser will undertake a visit to the Italian Republic and the Holy See, from March 5 to 8, 2026.
In Rome, the Governor General will meet with His Excellency Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic. The two will review shared priorities in keeping with the strong and evolving bilateral partnership that exists between Canada and Italy.
While in Italy, the Governor General will also meet with and cheer on members of the Canadian Paralympic Team competing in the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Her attendance will highlight 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.
In Vatican City, the Governor General will meet 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 will demonstrate the importance Canada attaches to its relationship with the Holy See, and provide 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 will also thank His Holiness for his leadership in returning Indigenous artefacts to Canada.
The Governor General plays an important role in representing Canada and carrying out the duties of the head of State on behalf of the Sovereign in domestic and international events and ceremonies while recognizing, encouraging and celebrating incredible Canadians at home and abroad who are making a difference in a range of fields.
ITINERARY
Note: times are indicated in Central European Time.
Thursday, March 5 – Vatican City
12 p.m.
Audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV
The Governor General will meet with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.
San Damaso Courtyard
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY OF THE ARRIVAL FOR ACCREDITED MEDIA – Media must obtain accreditation by the Holy See Press Office to cover the arrival in the courtyard of the Apostolic Palace. The audience will be closed to media, but photos can be provided to media by the Vatican Photo Service.
Accreditation
12:30 p.m.
Meeting with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin and the Most Reverend Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher
The Governor General will meet with 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.
Apostolic Palace
The audience will be closed to media, but photos can be provided to media by the Vatican Photo Service.
Thursday, March 5 – Rome
4:30 p.m.
Meeting with the President of the Italian Republic
The Governor General will meet with His Excellency Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic.
Quirinale Palace
ACCREDITED MEDIA ONLY
Friday, March 6 – Milan
8 p.m.
Canada Paralympic House Celebration
The Governor General will join the friends and family of Paralympic athletes to celebrate the opening of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
Sunday, March 8 – Cortina
3 p.m.
Visit to the Paralympic Athletes Village
The Governor General will visit the Athletes Village and interact with the Canadian Paralympic athletes.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
Sporting Events
Throughout her visit, the Governor General will attend sporting events at various venues.
Notes for media
- Photos of the visit can be provided to media upon request via [email protected].
Quick Facts
- This will be Her Excellency's second Paralympic Games as governor general, following her attendance at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France.
- This will be the first meeting between the Governor General and both Pope Leo XIV and President Mattarella.
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SOURCE Governor General of Canada
Media information: Rideau Hall Press Office, [email protected]
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