Pope Francis visits Papua New Guinea for Catholic mission
Pope Francis to meet PNG Catholics, address climate change
![A woman, center, wears a shirt with a photo of Pope Francis at a market ahead of his visit to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Baker).](https://thethaiger.com/world/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Papua_New_Guinea_Pope_24250046243790-scaled.jpg)
Pope Francis will arrive in Papua New Guinea (PNG) on Friday, embarking on his longest overseas mission. His visit aims to connect with Catholics in some of the world’s most remote areas and bring attention to climate change.
During his three-day stay, the Pope will spend time in Port Moresby, meeting with authorities, civil societies, and church leaders. He will participate in Sunday mass before travelling to Vanimo to visit Catholic missionaries.
PNG, a country of mountains, jungles, and rivers, is home to some of the last uncontacted tribes. The population is estimated to be between 9 million and 17 million, with approximately 2.5 million Catholics, according to the Vatican.
![Pope Francis leads the holy mass at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool).](https://thethaiger.com/world/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Indonesia_Asia_Pope_24249492173526-300x200.jpg)
Paul Morris, an emeritus professor of religious studies at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand, stated this visit is part of an effort to make the church more global. “In the last decade or so, the popes have celebrated more distant communities,” he said.
Port Moresby is adorned with flags welcoming the Pope, and major intersections are decorated in anticipation of his arrival. Merchandise such as yellow T-shirts featuring the Pope and colourful bucket hats are available for purchase.
Sr. Daisy Anne Lisania, spokesperson for the Catholic Church in PNG, mentioned the mass would include a traditional entrance procession with dancers showcasing the cultural heritage of PNG. A special chair has been crafted for the Pope to use during the Papal Mass at a local football stadium.
Christian missionaries arrived in PNG nearly 200 years ago, and Christianity now plays a central role in government and daily life. Douveri Henao, co-chair of the Papua New Guinea Israel Jewish Council, highlighted the pervasive presence of churches in every village.
“There’s a church pastor or reverend in every village, and in some cases, there will be two or three,” Henao said.
He also noted the significant role of church institutions in driving socioeconomic livelihoods and economic participation.
![People clean a street next to a banner to welcome Pope Francis in Dili, East Timor Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati).](https://thethaiger.com/world/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/East_Timor_Pope_Asia_24250039654443-300x197.jpg)
Past papal visits to PNG have been eventful. In 1984, during Pope John Paul II’s visit to the Western Highlands, rival tribes in the mining town engaged in a chanting match, causing security concerns. In 1995, John Paul II was credited with bringing rain during a drought.
Pope Francis is expected to address climate change and the need to reduce global warming during his visit. Some Catholics hope he will announce Peter To Rot, a Catechist killed during the Japanese occupation in 1945, as the country’s first saint.
PNG has recently attracted significant interest from Western countries due to its growing relationship with China. Pope Francis joins a list of notable leaders who have visited.
In April, Ted Wilson, head of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, visited. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Pacific Island leaders meeting in May 2023, and China’s Premier Li Qiang has also visited.
What Other Media Are Saying
- ZENIT News reports that the Papal Mass in Papua New Guinea’s Sir John Guise Stadium has sold out, with preparations reaching a fever pitch ahead of Pope Francis’ visit, which includes addressing the plight of refugees and potentially canonizing local catechist Peter To Rot. (read more)
- US News reports that Pope Francis concluded his visit to Indonesia after a massive crowd of 100,000 attended his final mass, setting off to Papua New Guinea for further engagements. (read more)
- One Family in Mission reports on Pope Francis’s 12-day trip to Asia and Oceania, visiting Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is Pope Francis visiting Papua New Guinea?
Pope Francis aims to reach remote Catholic communities and highlight climate change.
What activities are planned during Pope Francis’ visit to Papua New Guinea?
He will meet authorities, civil societies, and church leaders, and hold a mass.
How many Catholics live in Papua New Guinea?
There are an estimated 2.5 million Catholics in the country.
Why are Western countries concerned about Papua New Guinea?
Western countries are concerned about PNG’s growing relationship with China.
What cultural events are planned for the Pope’s visit?
A traditional entrance procession with dancers will be part of the mass.