A red carpet welcome greeted Pope Francis upon his arrival in Papua New Guinea, marking a historic visit—the first by a pope to the South Pacific country in 30 years since Pope John Paul II’s trip in 1995.
The visit is the second leg of Pope Francis’s 12-day tour across Asia and Oceania. The Pontiff was in Indonesia from September 3 to 6 and will also visit East Timor and Singapore.
Pope Francis’ journey commenced in the capital, Port Moresby, before continuing to Vanimo, drawing the attention of thousands of devout followers and observers.
Over 37,000 individuals have already signed up to attend Sunday Mass, with a significant emphasis placed on providing unemployed youth with “hope” against a backdrop of high unemployment rates and a worsening drug crisis.
Pope Francis’ visit was not just a spiritual occasion but also a logistical undertaking. With the country facing fuel shortages that threatened to disrupt travel plans, extensive measures were taken to ensure smooth proceedings.
Security was significantly bolstered, with up to 4,000 people trained to assist in police efforts to manage the crowds expected along the Pope’s motorcade routes and various stops, including interactions with street children—a gesture reflecting his long-standing commitment to the marginalized.
Pope Francis’s itinerary in Papua New Guinea is densely packed with significant engagements, including meetings with government officials, local authorities, and diplomats, as well as interactions with street children and those with disabilities.
He is also scheduled to visit the Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, where he will convene with the Bishops of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, along with priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, seminarians, and catechists.
On Sunday morning, the Pope will lead Holy Mass at Sir John Guise Stadium, which has been bustling with preparations in recent days.
Later on Sunday, he will travel to Vanimo, located in northwestern Papua New Guinea, where he will engage with local faithful and a group of missionaries before returning to Port Moresby in the evening.
Pope Francis will wrap up the second stage of his Apostolic Journey with a meeting with young people on Monday morning.
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