Author: Pilgrim Kompass Team

Timor-Leste: A Beacon of Hope for Human Rights As Pope Francis embarks on his Apostolic Journey to Timor-Leste, we turn our focus to this small nation that is emerging as a champion of human rights. By Linda Bordoni On his visit to Timor-Leste, the Pope will delve into the heart of this predominantly Catholic country in Southeast Asia, situated on half of the island of Timor. Surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and led by individuals who fought for its independence, Timor-Leste stands as one of the world’s youngest nations. Adriano Remiddi from the Global Campus of Human Rights revealed that…

Are you ready for the showdown of the century? A televised debate that could determine the outcome of the White House race is looming. The tension is mounting as Kamala Harris and Donald Trump gear up for their first, and possibly only, face-off before November 5th. Recent polls show them neck and neck, with election forecasters evenly split between the two candidates. With just over 48 hours to go before the debate on Abc news, the Democrat and the Republican are intensifying their preparations, bracing themselves to face tough questions from journalists, judgment from the public, and attacks from each…

Recalling Pope Francis’ Third Day in Papua New Guinea Our colleague in Port Moresby, Claudia Torres, shares the highlights of Pope Francis’ memorable third day in Papua New Guinea, where he embraced the people on the peripheries with open arms. By Claudia Torres – Port Moresby As the sun rose on Pope Francis’ second full day in Papua New Guinea, over 20,000 local Catholics gathered at Sir John Guise Stadium, some arriving as early as 2 AM, eager to participate in Sunday Mass with the Holy Father. Many had journeyed for days from remote areas of the country to reach…

Get Ready: Rome Bus, Tram, and Subway Ticket Prices Set to Increase! Exciting times are ahead in Rome as Mayor Roberto Gualtieri has confirmed that the cost of traveling on the city’s local public transport network is due to rise. Described as a “painful necessity,” the price hike is aimed at securing funds to renew the service contract with municipal public transport company ATAC. With a need for €22 million, the increase in ticket prices seems inevitable. While the new pricing plan was expected to be implemented last July, it has been delayed until now. Under this plan, the 100-minute…

Italy is experiencing economic growth thanks to tourism. Tourism, especially from abroad, is expanding rapidly, with international visitor numbers increasing by 14% compared to 2023, and foreign tourist spending in the first two months of the current year up by 20% compared to the same period last year. This increase could contribute up to 15% of Italy’s Gross Domestic Product. However, overtourism has become a complex phenomenon that is difficult to control. Eurispes has tried to assess the situation through a study coordinated by the Director of the Fiscal Policy Observatory. For 2024, Italy is expected to have 215 million…

The Holy Spirit in Action: Pope Francis’ Impact in Papua New Guinea An Australian couple, Amanda and John, were among the privileged attendees at Pope Francis’ Mass in Port Moresby during his Apostolic Journey to Asia and Oceania. They shared their profound experience with Vatican News, expressing their admiration for the Holy Father’s genuine love for the people of Papua New Guinea. Amanda and John belong to the Neocatechumenal Community and were on a mission in Alotau Milne Bay from 2014 to 2017. Their mission was simple yet powerful: to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and be a…

Embracing Pope Francis’ Message of Peace in Papua New Guinea In a recent interview with Vatican News, Fr. Giorgio Licini, an Italian PIME missionary based in Port Moresby, expressed his belief that Pope Francis’ message of peace, solidarity, friendship, and reconciliation will resonate with the people of Papua New Guinea for years to come. By Claudia Torres – Port Moresby “The Pope’s visit to Papua New Guinea is a truly unique event, something that cannot be taken for granted given the distance and the country’s status in the global community,” Fr. Licini shared as he prepared for Holy Mass at…

Welcome to Vanimo: Pope Francis Encourages Missionary Work in Papua New Guinea By Devin Watkins The coastal city of Vanimo in Papua New Guinea welcomed a special guest as Pope Francis arrived to speak to the Catholic community and commend their missionary efforts. After a brief two-hour flight on an Australian C-130 military transport plane, the Pope expressed his gratitude for the dedication of local Catholics in spreading the Gospel in the area. Addressing the gathering in front of the Holy Cross Pro-Cathedral, Pope Francis recognized the commitment of missionary priests and religious sisters who have been evangelizing the region…

Pope Francis Calls for Unity and Peace during Angelus in Port Moresby During the recitation of the Angelus in Port Moresby, Pope Francis delivered a powerful message emphasizing the importance of unity among peoples and expressing his concern about the recent flooding in Lourdes. By Joseph Tulloch Following the celebration of Mass in Port Moresby, Pope Francis issued a strong appeal for peace and care for creation. Before reciting the Angelus, the Pope called on the Virgin Mary, asking her to “accompany you and protect you always.” “May she,” he prayed, “strengthen the unity of families, make young people’s dreams…

Welcome to a heartwarming encounter with the Holy Father, Pope Francis, as he visited the Caritas Technical Secondary School. The atmosphere was filled with joy and anticipation as the Pope met with the children of Street Ministry and Callan Services. Upon his arrival at the covered stadium entrance, the Most Eminent Cardinal John Ribat, M.S.C., Archbishop of Port Moresby, and other dignitaries welcomed him warmly. Two children in traditional attire presented him with a bouquet of flowers before he made his way to the stage, greeted by songs from the choir. The children of Callan Services and Street Ministry had…