Pope Francis’ delegate to Australia has found time for sightseeing during a busy trip to Far North Queensland.
Archbishop Charles Balvo attended Mass in Mount Garnet and enjoyed a quick trip to Green Island while in the region late last week.
The papal nuncio also visited St Stephen’s Catholic College and St Thomas’ School, both in Mareeba, and spent time in Atherton and Innisfail.
“When visiting a Year 5 classroom, a student asked if I had met the Pope,” Archbishop Balvo said.
“I said yes…and smiled.”
Originally from New York, Archbishop Balvo was appointed as Apostolic Nuncio to Australia last year.
He has served in the Vatican’s diplomatic service for more than 30 years, with previous roles as papal ambassador to Kenya, South Sudan and the Czech Republic and with diplomatic postings to Latin America, the Baltic states, Africa, and the Middle East.
Cairns Catholic Education Services Director of Identity and Outreach, Sharon O’Keeffe, said Archbishop Balvo had seen as much of the region as he could during his short visit to the Far North.
“The purpose of his visit to Cairns was to meet with clergy and parishioners,” she said.
“Archbishop Balvo also thoroughly enjoyed his quick trip to Green Island, particularly seeing our famous crocodile Cassius and viewing the reef through a glass-bottom boat.
“The Nuncio loves the water and was mesmerised by the colours and beauty on the island.
“He was really impressed by our schools, their green spaces and facilities, and remarked on the students’ eagerness to learn.”
