Visit to Italy, Vatican City and Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games

March 5 to 8, 2026

Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Whit Fraser undertook 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.

Governor General Mary Simon seated across from His Holiness Pop Leo XIV at a large wooden table.

Photo credit: Vatican Media

Governor General Mary Simon meeting Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.

Photo credit: Vatican Media

Governor General Mary Simon meeting His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

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.

Governor General Mary Simon and His Excellency Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic.

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.

Governor General Mary Simon posing for a photo with a large group of Paralympic athletes.

Governor General Mary Simon shaking hands with one of the Paralympic athletes.

She later joined families and close friends of Canada’s Paralympic athletes to watch the opening ceremony.

Families and close friends of Canada’s Paralympic athletes watching the opening ceremony on television..

Governor General Mary Simon shaking a person's hand at the event for families and close friends of Canada’s Paralympic athletes watching the opening ceremony on television..

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.