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Story: Catholic Church

Pope John Paul's visit, 1986

Wellington's Athletic Park was the venue for a large Papal Mass during the 1986 visit of Pope John Paul II, as seen in this television news clip. The good-natured ceremony indicated that the Catholic faith had become fully integrated into contemporary New Zealand society.

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TVNZ Television New Zealand

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How to cite this page

Rory Sweetman, Catholic Church – Fitting into New Zealand society, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/video/29306/pope-john-pauls-visit-1986 (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Rory Sweetman, published 26 April 2011.

Comments

peter John HANNAH
27 February 2018
My eldest son just about 14 yrs. old and despite all the security was able to "chase' the Pope mobile around Auckland Domain. He gave the very strong impression of great humility...(doing what ever the local clergy wanted him to do)....my impression. What a privilege to say : "We saw a saint in action." Sadly we did not receive "Our Lord" in communion from him! But for some sick and handicapped they were given this great privilege. Many of us were given the privilege of giving "Our Lord" to those attending that great event. I think security was over played!