by Jake Sanders, Editor
Papua New Guinea is getting ready to warmly welcome His Holiness Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, who will arrive on Friday. It has been three decades since a Pope last visited the South Pacific nation, with the previous visit by John Paul II occurring in 1995. This trip is part of an 11-day journey across multiple countries, during which Pope Francis will be in the capital, Port Moresby, and Vanimo from September 6 to 9.
Over 37,000 individuals have already signed up to attend Sunday Mass, with a significant emphasis on providing “hope” to unemployed youth amid rising unemployment and a deteriorating drug crisis.
Traveling to Port Moresby may present challenges due to ongoing fuel shortages, potentially affecting domestic transportation, including flights, on short notice.
Security measures have been enhanced, with around 4,000 individuals trained to assist police in managing street control, particularly during the Pope’s motorcade through the capital, where he will meet with “street children.”
Bishop Rozario Menezes, chairman of the organizing committee, mentioned that this will be his sixth encounter with the Pope. “Each time, I express my gratitude for his leadership and inspiration. He embodies the Gospel,” he stated.
At 87, soon to be 88, the Pope continues his travels despite facing some health issues this year. “I especially want to express my appreciation for his visit. Given his health challenges, this trip to Asia and Oceania is significant at his age,” he added.
Pope Francis is anticipated to meet with Prime Minister James Marape, thousands of street children, bishops, priests, and leaders from Pacific nations. The four-day visit will end with schoolchildren lining the road to the airport to bid farewell to him.
The Pope will also stop in Vanimo, described by Bishop Rozario as “one of the poorest areas.” People are expected to cross the Indonesia-PNG border to see him in the small town of Vanimo near Jayapura. “He will be the first Pope to visit Vanimo. Organizing security and logistics for this was particularly challenging,” he noted. There is a possibility the Pope will address the situation in West Papua, an issue the Catholic Church has previously highlighted.
