AUCKLAND, New Zealand – In a significant step toward deeper pastoral understanding and reconciliation, delegates from across the globe, including high-ranking representatives from the Holy See, gathered in Auckland last week for the second International Conference on Catholic Indigenous. The event, which follows a successful inaugural hosting in the United States in 2023, brought together voices from Australia, Canada, and the United States to join their New Zealand hosts in a week of profound spiritual and cultural exchange.
A Sacred Welcome to the Land
The conference commenced on Monday, March 2, 2026, with a traditional Māori welcoming ceremony, or pōwhiri, held at Auckland University’s Tūtahi Tonu marae. Delegates were welcomed to the land (whenua) of Ngāti Whātua, an act that honored the nearly two-century-old relationship between the Māori people and the Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Loraine Elliott, co-host of the event alongside Auckland Bishop Steve Lowe, noted that the opening day established a powerful foundation for the week’s dialogue. “Our Catholic faith is what binds us, and you could hear that in the kaupapa (values) that came through,” Elliott remarked. “Indigenous people are a very spiritual people, and we could see that being woven in the stories they shared”.
Unity Amidst Fragmentation
The program was uniquely structured to allow each of the four participating nations to lead a day of the conference, fostering a diverse range of perspectives. The Canadian delegation, led by Bishop Pierre-Olivier Tremblay OMI of Hearst-Moosonee, took the lead on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of such gatherings in a world often marked by division.
“It seems that at this moment in time, there is a lot of fragmentation and polarisation,” Bishop Tremblay observed. “More and more, we need concrete signs and experiences of coming together, of listening – really listening – of opening ourselves up to others. We, as a church, can be a humble but significant sign that we can work together in this path towards unity and communion”.
The Holy See’s Attentive Presence
The Vatican’s involvement was underscored by the presence of Archbishop Gábor Pintér, the Apostolic Nuncio to New Zealand and the Pacific. Archbishop Pintér conveyed the greetings and apostolic blessing of Pope Leo XIV, noting that the Holy Father and various Vatican offices are following the proceedings with keen interest.
Furthermore, a representative from the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development attended the sessions, highlighting the Holy See’s commitment to the pastoral care and integral development of Indigenous peoples. This presence reflects the Church’s broader mission to promote and defend the dignity of every person, ensuring that Indigenous voices are central to the Church’s synodal journey.
| Conference Overview | Details |
| Event | International Conference on Catholic Indigenous (Second Gathering) |
| Location | Auckland, New Zealand (Tūtahi Tonu marae) |
| Participants | Australia, Canada, USA, New Zealand, Vatican |
| Key Focus | Enhancing ministry to Indigenous Catholics; unity and dialogue |
| Historical Context | Relationship between Māori and the Church began in 1838 |
A Legacy of Faith and Culture
The relationship between Māori and the Catholic Church in New Zealand began in 1838 with the arrival of French Marist missionaries, led by Bishop Jean-Baptiste Pompallier. Known for his deep respect for Māori culture and language, Pompallier’s legacy continues to influence the vibrant, multicultural identity of the Church in New Zealand today.
As the Church continues its global mission, gatherings like the Auckland conference serve as vital milestones in the ongoing process of healing and reconciliation. By listening to the lived experiences and spiritual traditions of Indigenous Catholics, the Church seeks to build a more inclusive community of faith, rooted in the universal message of the Gospel while honoring the unique cultural heritage of all its members.
A Spiritual Resolution: Walking Together in Faith
As we reflect on the Church’s efforts to walk in solidarity with Indigenous peoples, we are reminded that true reconciliation begins in the heart. Let us turn to the Sacrament of Confession, seeking God’s mercy for the times we have failed to see His image in our brothers and sisters of different cultures and traditions.
Let us spend time in Eucharistic Adoration, placing the intentions of all Indigenous Catholic communities before the Real Presence of our Lord, asking for the grace of unity and mutual understanding. We are called to pray the Holy Rosary daily, asking for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who appeared as an Indigenous woman at Guadalupe, to guide the Church on the path of healing and peace.
Through active participation in the Holy Mass and the devout reception of the Eucharist, we are united as one Body in Christ, transcending all cultural and national boundaries. Finally, let us reflect on Sacred Scripture, finding inspiration in the words of St. Paul: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
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