5 April 2005

Governor General to attend Pope's funeral

Prime Minister Helen Clark today announced that the Governor General, Dame Silvia Cartwright, would represent New Zealand at the funeral of the Pope, John Paul II.

Helen Clark today moved a Notice of Motion in Parliament, which expresses its deep sadness on the recent death of his Holiness Pope John Paul II, and expresses sincere condolences to the Holy See and to Roman Catholics in New Zealand and around the world.

"The death of Pope John Paul II is a time of great sorrow for all those worldwide who have admired and respected his work over the past 26 years for global peace, democracy, and equality.

"I am pleased that the Governor General will be able to attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II on behalf of New Zealand," Helen Clark said.

"I have asked for flags on public buildings to be lowered to half mast on the day of the Pope's funeral," Helen Clark said.

ENDS

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