Witness to Hope: 40th Anniversary Exhibition, remembering Pope St John Paul II’s visit to Christchurch
In November 1986, Pope John Paul II visited New Zealand, and he remains the only pope ever to have done so. Forty years on, we’re opening the archives to remember the day he came to Christchurch, and the message of peace he brought with him.
- When24–29 November 2026
- WhereRose Historic Chapel
866 Colombo Street - EntryFree, koha welcomed
A messenger of peace, a message for our time.
Pope John Paul II came at a time of deep unrest, at home and abroad. In 1981, the year the Springbok tour divided New Zealand, he was shot in St Peter’s Square in Rome.
Within days of the shooting, from his hospital bed, the Pope forgave the man who tried to kill him. In 1983, he walked into that man’s prison cell and spoke with him as a brother. It showed a troubled world that peace is possible, and that it begins with loving our enemies.
His message of peace was hard-won. As a young man, he lived through the Nazi occupation of Poland, working in a stone quarry and studying for the priesthood in secret, and later lived under communist rule. He knew first-hand the cost of war and division, and spent his life standing for freedom, peace between peoples and the dignity of every person.
In 1986, he came to New Zealand with the message “Peace: the Message of the Gospel”. In Christchurch, he warned against attitudes of racial and cultural superiority, and invited every New Zealander to a different way:
“All of you are invited to share this land in peace and in mutual respect.” — Pope St John Paul II, Lancaster Park, 24 November 1986
“All of you are invited to share this land in peace and in mutual respect.”
Pope St John Paul II · Lancaster Park, Christchurch, 24 November 1986
“New Zealand has always been a place of new beginnings.”
Pope St John Paul II · Ecumenical service, Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Christchurch, 24 November 1986
Earlier that morning, after a welcome by tangata whenua, he began his day in Christchurch at the former Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, praying alongside leaders of other Christian churches and the city’s mayor. It was a sign that the work of peace belongs to all of us, together.
In 2014, the Catholic Church declared him a saint, recognising a life of extraordinary faith and courage. Whatever your beliefs, his example still speaks: forgive those who wrong you, stand up for the dignity of every person, and never give up on peace.
This exhibition gathers photographs, letters, memorabilia and memories from that visit.
Come and see what Christchurch saw in 1986, reflect and join us in taking up the call to choose peace once more.
What you’ll see
Step back into November 1986 through original material from the Christchurch Catholic Diocesan Archives, brought together for this anniversary.
-
01
The Pope’s chair
Built by local craftsmen for the Mass at Lancaster Park, and decorated with the papal coat of arms, embroidered by the Carmelite sisters.
-
02
Photographs and archival video
The day as Christchurch lived it, from the welcome to the Mass at Lancaster Park.
-
03
Letters and correspondence
A behind-the-scenes look at the months of planning it took to welcome a pope.
-
04
Memorabilia and memories
Keepsakes from the visit, and the stories of people who were there.
Whether you were there in 1986 or are discovering this story for the first time, there’s something here for you.
Visit the Exhibition
Location & Parking
Rose Historic Chapel, 866 Colombo Street, Christchurch Central
There is no parking on site, so please allow time to find on-street parking nearby.
To be officially opened by invitation on Tuesday 24 November.
Entry fee
Entry is free and everyone is welcome. Koha is gratefully received.
Public Opening Hours
Wednesday 25 – Friday 27 November: 2–4pm
Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 November: 10am–4pm
Bring a Group
We’d love to welcome school groups, rest homes and other community groups. Group sessions run Wednesday to Friday, prior to public opening hours, and bookings are essential. To book, email us: [email protected]
Were you there in 1986?
Perhaps you lined the streets, stood in the pouring rain at Lancaster Park, or helped prepare for his arrival. We’d love to hear your story. Share your memories or photos with us, and they may become part of how we remember this visit together.
Share your storyBrought to you by
The St John Paul II Centre
The St John Paul II Centre is a charitable trust in Ōtautahi Christchurch, named after the peacemaker who visited our city forty years ago. Since 2005 we’ve helped people love like Christ in marriage and family life, through talks, courses, practical resources and pastoral support across Canterbury, the West Coast and beyond.
With thanks to
Christchurch Catholic Diocesan Archives
This exhibition is curated by Shaun Hickland of the Diocesan Archives, with original material from the Diocese’s collection. We’re deeply grateful for the care and time he and the Archives team have given to bringing the exhibition to life.
Our thanks also to
The Rose Historic Chapel Trust, for hosting us in their beautiful venue, and the Polish Charitable and Educational Trust, for their generous support.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Witness to Hope · 40th Anniversary Exhibition
Rose Historic Chapel · 24–29 November 2026