Pope Francis accepts a jersey from Peter Cosgrove, Governor General of Australia, who was accompanied by his wife Lynne, during a private audience at the Vatican June 25. Photo: CNS/Alessandro Di Meo.
The Australian Catholic University (ACU) was honored to receive the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), and Lady Cosgrove at its Rome Campus this week.
The Ambassador to the Holy See, Her Excellency, Melissa Hitchman, hosted the visit in collaboration with ACU.
While on the campus, Sir Peter and Lady Cosgrove took the opportunity to tour the campus facilities, meet with staff and students currently in Rome undertaking programs of study, and join the campus community for refreshments.
The Governor-General, a former Chancellor of ACU, was in Rome as part of an official visit to Italy and the Vatican City that included an audience with His Holiness Pope Francis and a meeting with the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Parolin.
After his visit to ACU’s Rome Campus, the Governor-General visited the Basilica of St Paul’s Outside the Wall to pay his respects to Francis Xavier Conaci, the young Australian indigenous Seminarian from New Norcia who was posthumously recognised by ACU with the establishment of a scholarship in his name.
ACU Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Greg Craven said that as Chancellor of ACU from 2010 to 2014, Sir Peter Cosgrove made a major contribution to Australian Catholic University.
“So this visit is very significant for the University community,” Prof Craven said.
Pope Francis exchanges gifts with Peter Cosgrove, Governor General of Australia, during private audience at the Vatican on 25 June 25. At right is Lynn Cosgrove, the governor general’s wife. Photo: CNS/Alessandro Di Meo.
Sir Peter and Lady Cosgrove met with more than 70 students and staff members from ACU, including more than 40 undergraduate students studying Art, Politics and Culture, and Occupational Therapy units in Rome.
ACU’s Provost, Professor Pauline Nugent said the University is delighted that the Governor-General visited the Rome campus and met with students.
“To hear firsthand, the impact this rich learning opportunity offers our students,” Prof Nugent said.
The Governor-General’s visit also coincided with ACU’s Faculty of Education and La Salle Academy for Faith Formation and Religious Education three-week program at the Rome Campus for 20 Catholic school principals as well as other school educators from around Australia.