Welcome to Pope Francis’ Apostolic Journey to Papua New Guinea
When Pope Francis visited Papua New Guinea, he brought with him a message of hope and unity for the people of this beautiful island nation. From meeting with civil authorities, children with disabilities, and those in street situations to celebrating Holy Mass and interacting with the local Catholic community in Vanimo, the Pope’s almost four full days in Papua New Guinea left a lasting impact on all who met him.
Written by Claudia Torres in Port Moresby, this blog captures the joy, gratitude, and hope that filled the hearts of both Catholics and non-Catholics as they awaited and experienced the Holy Father’s visit.
A Message of Hope
Throughout his visit, Pope Francis addressed various challenges faced by Papua New Guinea, including climate change, gender inequality, and tribal violence. His message urged the people to love one another, embrace unity, and work towards a better future. The Pope’s words resonated with many as he called for an end to destructive behaviors and superstitions, emphasizing the importance of coming together as a community.
Unity in Diversity
During his time in Papua New Guinea, the Pope witnessed the country’s diverse cultural heritage coming together harmoniously. From his visit to the Caritas Technical Secondary School to his interactions with the youth and faithful during Mass, the Pope highlighted the beauty of unity in diversity. The people of Papua New Guinea showcased their unique characteristics, representing the rich tapestry of their nation.
Missionary Work and Gratitude
Papua New Guinea has a long history of missionary work, with the Catholic Church deeply rooted in the country since the late 1800s. Pope Francis took the time to personally thank missionaries for their dedication to spreading the Gospel message. His visit to Vanimo, where he met with a missionary friend from Argentina, emphasized the importance of missionary work and the support they receive from the community.
As Pope Francis bid farewell to Papua New Guinea, he left behind a message of hope, unity, and gratitude. His next destination on this Apostolic Journey is Dili, Timor-Leste, where he will continue to spread the message of love and peace.
