Pope Tells Papua New Guinea People: ‘You Are Doing Something Beautiful’

On September 8, Pope Francis made a special visit to the small town of Vanimo in Papua New Guinea, shortly after celebrating a mass for more than 35,000 attendees in the capital, Port Moresby. This visit is part of his ongoing voyage through the Asia-Pacific region.

Upon his arrival, the Pope expressed his desire to “break down distances,” emphasizing the importance of connecting with people in remote areas. Vanimo, situated on Papua New Guinea’s northwest coast near the Indonesian border, became the center of attention as the community gathered to welcome him.

The visit was marked by the arrival of humanitarian aid and toys brought by missionaries from Argentina, aligning with the Pope’s message of compassion and support for those in need. Earlier in his trip, he had called for improved care for Indigenous populations, adding significance to his stop in Vanimo.

Addressing a crowd that the Vatican estimated at around 20,000, Pope Francis acknowledged the efforts of local officials in his formal remarks. “You are doing something beautiful, and it is important that you are not left alone,” he told the enthusiastic audience gathered outside the cathedral, maintaining a warm and encouraging tone.

The Pope continued, praising the natural beauty of the region: “You live in a magnificent land, enriched by a great variety of plants and birds. The beauty of the landscape is matched by the beauty of a community where people love one another.” His sentiments resonated with the audience, who were filled with joy and pride in their heritage.

During the pontiff’s visit, the town of Vanimo came alive. Streets were filled with onlookers, and nuns in blue and white habits lined up to greet him upon his arrival. The atmosphere turned festive as shops and roads closed for his three-hour stay, showcasing the deep respect and admiration held for the Pope.

Before heading to Vanimo, during his mass in Port Moresby, he emphasized the need to strengthen the church’s presence in outlying areas. He offered solace to those feeling distant from their faith, reminding them that God is always near. His words resonated deeply with many, as he reassured them of their significance within the larger church community.

“When we look to ourselves, we realize that there is an even more beautiful sight: that which grows in us when we love one another,” he stated during his address in Vanimo. This message of love and unity remains central to the Pope’s mission, which aims to spread the beauty of the Gospel through compassionate acts.

This visit to Papua New Guinea marks the second stop in Pope Francis’s 11-day journey across southeast Asia, which will also include East Timor and Singapore. The journey began in Indonesia and seeks to connect with various communities, celebrate diversity, and reinforce the church’s commitment to social justice and humanitarian aid.