The Australian Ambassador to the Holy See, Keith Pitt , presented his credentials to Pope Leo XIV marking his official introduction as Australia’s representative to the Vatican.
Newsroom (07/06/2025 08:10 , Gaudium Press) The Australian Ambassador to the Holy See, Keith Pitt , presented his credentials to Pope Leo XIV last Tuesday, marking his official introduction as Australia’s representative to the Vatican. Alongside formal documents, Pitt brought a taste of Australia, offering the Pontiff macadamia nuts, Bundaberg rum, ANZAC biscuits, red wine, Tim Tams, and a handmade quilt crafted by students from a Queensland Catholic school.
A Ceremonial Welcome Amid Change
The past weeks have been a period of transition for the Vatican, following the death of Pope Francis, the subsequent conclave, and the ascension of Pope Leo XIV. For Ambassador Pitt, a former Liberal National MP appointed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the timing of his arrival in Rome six weeks ago added a unique layer to his new role. Unable to present credentials to Pope Francis before his passing, Pitt’s first official engagement with the new Pontiff was a moment of significance for both Australia and the Holy See.
“The presentation of credentials has a lot of protocol and ceremony around it,” Pitt told Vatican News in an interview following the audience. Escorted by Swiss Guards to the Apostolic Palace, Pitt and his delegation arrived in vehicles adorned with Australian and Vatican flags. In a private meeting, he described Pope Leo XIV as “very considerate and very engaging,” noting that the Pope’s appointment has been “warmly received by Australia.”
Gifts Reflecting Australian Identity
Beyond formalities, Pitt’s presentation stood out for its distinctly Australian offerings. The Ambassador gifted Pope Leo XIV a selection of iconic Australian products: macadamia nuts, Bundaberg rum from Pitt’s home region of Queensland, rum and raisin chocolates, ANZAC biscuits, red wine, and Tim Tams. However, the centerpiece was a handmade quilt from St. Francis Catholic Primary School in Tannum Sands, a small town six hours north of Brisbane.
The quilt, a collaborative effort by the school’s students, featured panels depicting Australian wildlife—kangaroos, goannas, magpies, and kookaburras—stitched together with care. Pitt’s brother, a teacher at the school, facilitated the gift’s creation on short notice. “They’ve drawn these panels, and for them to recognize that there is a new Pope and to want to send a message to him, I just thought was remarkable,” Pitt shared. When Pope Leo XIV inquired about missing animals, Pitt’s brother quipped about the occasional “deadly snakes” in Australia, a lighthearted nod to the country’s unique fauna.
A Diplomatic Bridge to the Pacific
Pitt’s appointment, a cross-party gesture by Prime Minister Albanese, underscores the enduring relevance of Australia’s relationship with the Holy See. In a May 19, 2025, interview with The Nightly, Pitt emphasized the Catholic Church’s strategic importance to Australia, particularly its charitable work in the Pacific. “The Church’s efforts in the region align with Australia’s interests in fostering stability and support,” he noted.
During the audience, Pitt extended an invitation from Prime Minister Albanese for Pope Leo XIV to visit Australia in 2028 for the 2028 International eucharistic Congress in Australia. Echoing a similar invitation made during Albanese’s meeting with the Pope within his first 24 hours as Pontiff. While it would not be Pope Leo’s first visit—he recalled a past road trip between Brisbane and Sydney—Pitt assured the Pontiff of a warm welcome should he return.
A New Chapter in Australia-Vatican Relations
As Ambassador Pitt settles into his role, his presentation of credentials marks a renewed commitment to strengthening ties between Australia and the Holy See. The gifts, particularly the students’ quilt, symbolize a bridge between the two nations, blending diplomacy with cultural exchange. With Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate just beginning, Pitt’s tenure promises to deepen this partnership, rooted in shared values and mutual respect.
Raju Hasmukh with files from
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Vatican News, “Australian Ambassador Presents Credentials to Pope Leo XIV,” June 2025.
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The Nightly, “Keith Pitt on the Relevance of the Holy See to Australia,” May 19, 2025.
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