Pope Francis Visits Papua New Guinea for the First Time in Nearly 30 Years

Pope Francis arrived in Papua New Guinea on September 6, marking his furthest journey from the Vatican during his 11 years as pontiff. This visit is part of his ongoing tour of Asia and the South Pacific.

Upon his arrival in the capital city, Port Moresby, the Pope is scheduled to meet with various government and church officials. He will also engage with local children, addressing vital issues such as global warming, violence against women, inequality, and the impact of natural disasters.

The last papal visit to Papua New Guinea took place nearly three decades ago when St. John Paul II visited the nation to beatify Peter To Rot, a local lay catechist who was martyred during World War II for his commitment to spreading the Catholic faith.

Pope Francis has a packed schedule that includes a visit to the Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians. He is expected to be welcomed by the Bishop of New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, along with local priests, deacons, seminarians, catechists, and consecrated men and women.

A significant highlight of the trip will be a mass at Sir John Guise Stadium, which is poised to attract one of the largest gatherings during his visit. Following this, the Pope will take a flight to Vanimo, located in northwestern Papua New Guinea, to visit local missionaries and the Catholic community before returning to the capital.

This journey is part of a broader 11-day tour of Asia and the South Pacific, despite Pope Francis’s previous health challenges. His visit is anticipated to leave a lasting impression on the region, addressing pressing issues and fostering connections within the community.