Rudd will have an audience with the Pope this week during a trip to Europe to take part in crucial talks on climate change. The two are expected to discuss the potential canonization of Josephite order founder, Mary MacKillop.
Canonization is MacKillop's last step to sainthood. MacKillop would be Australia's first native-born saint.
When asked why the Prime Minister is getting involved in the matter instead of the Pope dealing directly with church leaders, Stephen Smith, the Minister for Foreign Affairs said, "Well, he's neither dabbling nor interfering, nor is it really a key focus of his trip, but it's entirely appropriate."
Rudd has not always chosen to get involved in church matters. As Queensland's most powerful public servant Kevin Rudd gained the title of Dr Death for his part in overseeing reforms to the public service. In those days he used to keep his faith low key.
During a 1994 interview Rudd said "I've got to be frank with you I've had a long standing personal policy simply not to publicly discuss questions of personal religious faith."