Mateparae wrote on his Facebook page: "Our audience with Pope Francis was a very special occasion for us today."

"Pope Francis was well informed about New Zealand. He was most interested in hearing about people. I did say to him that he would get a better impression of New Zealand and us if he was to visit!"

A video at romereports.com released on the Governor-General's Facebook page shows the meeting and some of the conversations between the two.

In this video clip the Governor General says, "We would be absolutely honoured if you could come to our part of the world for a visit."

He presented Pope Francis with a koru pounamu and told him it signified peace and understanding.

The Pope gave him a pen, which Sir Jerry said he would use for important documents.

The item at romeports.co says the Governor General gave the Pope a coral stone (sic).

A Vatican statement released after the meeting said that during their discussions the parties focused on a number of aspects of the social and economic life of the country, as well as the valuable contribution of the Catholic Church in various sectors of New Zealand society.

There was also an exchange of opinions on the international situation, with particular reference to regional cooperation in various development programmes and participation in peace missions in different parts of the world, the Vatican Statement said.

Watch Video clip on TV3

Source

• Stuff.co.nz
• Vatican Information Service
• 3News
• Image: GettyImages/FrancoOriglia

Writing in the NZ Herald, Sir Jerry noted that 2014 marks the 20th anniversary of the International Year of the Family and that during the year the United Nations will use the opportunity to focus our attention on the family.

Noting the structure and dynamics of New Zealand families has changed and is now more diverse, Sir Jerry maintains parents still desire to raise their children in a caring loving environment.

While New Zealand is a great place to bring up a family and most families successfully cope with the inevitable challenges of life, Sir Jerry says the 20th anniversary of the International Year of the Family is a time to take stock, as a nation and as communities.

Sir Jerry's particular concern is that we can help families facing particular difficulties so every child can grow up in a safe and secure home.

Sources

• NZ Herald
• Image: Baby Unica