Pope Francis made his way to Papua New Guinea on Friday, marking the second stop of his 12-day journey across Asia and Oceania.
His arrival followed reports of an attempted attack during his earlier visit to Indonesia.
The Pope landed at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea’s capital, on the evening of September 6 after a six-hour flight from Jakarta, Indonesia.
As he stepped onto the tarmac, he was greeted by women from the Mekeo tribe dressed in traditional attire, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
Official Ceremony and Warm Greetings
Following a guard of honor, the Pope was officially welcomed by Papua New Guinea’s Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso and other dignitaries during a formal ceremony at the airport.
As the second Pope to visit this Oceania nation, his presence was highly anticipated.
The Holy Father was also greeted by Cardinal John Ribat, Archbishop of Port Moresby, and representatives from the Bishops’ Conference of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
Additionally, prelates from Tonga, Fiji, and New Zealand extended their warm welcome to the region.
Crowds Gather in Anticipation
Excitement filled the air as crowds lined the streets outside the airport, eager to catch a glimpse of the Pope.
People held lit candles and smartphones, capturing the moment before his public engagements and meetings with local communities.
A Packed Schedule
During his three-day stay, Pope Francis will meet with civil leaders and Catholic communities in both Port Moresby and the more remote region of Vanimo.
His visit includes a stop at the Sanctuary of Our Lady Help of Christians, where he will meet with priests, deacons, religious orders, and catechists. On Sunday, he is set to celebrate Mass at Sir John Guise Stadium.
Father Gregorio Bicomong Jr., a Salesian priest, expressed his hopes that the Pope’s visit would reignite faith and hope among the people of Papua New Guinea.
He shared with ACI Stampa, CNA’s Italian-language news partner, that he expects the Holy Father to focus on themes such as family, forgiveness, and faithfulness to Jesus.
The priest also hoped that the Pope’s presence would leave a lasting impression, encouraging a deeper commitment to living out their faith.
Challenges and Hopes for the Future
Earlier this year, Papua New Guinea experienced political instability and a decline in law and order.
The government declared a state of emergency following the tragic “Black Wednesday” riots on January 10, which left more than a dozen dead and hundreds injured.
Despite these challenges, the nation remains deeply rooted in Christianity, with approximately 96% of its population identifying as Christian.
The Catholic Church is the largest denomination in the country, with around 3 million Catholics in a population of 8.2 million, according to the 2011 census.
Reports of a Planned Attack in Indonesia
Meanwhile, back in Indonesia, reports surfaced of a planned attack on Pope Francis.
The Straits Times revealed that seven people were detained by police in Jakarta between September 2-3 after a tip-off from the public.
One of those arrested, allegedly linked to a terror group, was reportedly angered by the Pope’s visit to Istiqlal Mosque in the capital.
On September 5, Pope Francis and Muslim leader Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar signed a joint declaration at the mosque, condemning violence based on religion.
What’s Next?
As Pope Francis continues his journey through Asia and Oceania, his presence is expected to inspire and uplift the communities he visits.
With a focus on faith, family, and forgiveness, his visit brings hope to many who are eager to hear his message.
TDPel Media
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