Pope Francis made a heartfelt visit to the remote jungles of Papua New Guinea on Sunday, where he delivered a message of love, unity, and peace to a nation grappling with tribal violence and cultural divisions. The visit, part of his ongoing mission to reach the “peripheries” of the Catholic Church, was filled with symbolic gestures, including the delivery of medicine, musical instruments, and a warm embrace of the people living in these remote regions.
Pope Francis began his official tour of Papua New Guinea (PNG) on Saturday morning, Sept. 7, meeting and greeting with local and Pacific leaders and calling for unity and better treatment of workers. #News5
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— News5 (@News5PH) September 8, 2024
Traveling aboard a Royal Australian Air Force C-130, Francis arrived in the coastal town of Vanimo, a small city near the border with Indonesia. Greeted by around 20,000 people singing and dancing in celebration, the Pope donned a feathered headdress presented to him by the locals. Speaking from a raised stage, Francis praised the efforts of missionaries working in the region but called on the local community to overcome their internal divisions. He urged them to set aside tribal rivalries, violence, and harmful practices such as drug abuse and exploitation, comparing their unity to the harmony of an orchestra, where everyone must play together to achieve peace.
Francis also addressed the increasing violence and tensions over land disputes in the region, which have become more lethal in recent years. His call for an end to such violence, particularly gender-based violence, was a key focus of his message during the visit. Earlier that day, Francis had led a mass for an estimated 35,000 people in Port Moresby, where dancers in traditional attire welcomed him with vibrant performances.
In his homily, Francis acknowledged that the people of Papua New Guinea might feel distant from the church and even their faith, given their geographic isolation. However, he reassured them that God is always close, reminding them that they are at the center of God’s heart and that each person is deeply valued.
Vanimo, a small town with a population of around 11,000, perfectly embodies Francis’ vision of focusing on communities at the edges of the institutional church. His visit was prompted by an invitation from Argentine missionary Rev. Martin Prado, who had spent over a decade in Vanimo and encouraged Francis to come. As part of his outreach, Francis brought essential supplies such as medicine and toys and helped fund the construction of a new secondary school, addressing the critical need for education in the area.
A top Catholic Cardinal in Papua New Guinea has called for Christian unity and peace as thousands converged at the national capital Port Moresby to welcome Pope Francis.
Read more… https://t.co/oUTrlUbtHS#CardinalRibat #PopeFrancis #PapuaNewGuinea #UnityAndFaith #PapalVisit— UCAN India (@ucanindia) September 7, 2024
In addition to ministering to the local Catholic community, Francis has raised awareness of issues like false accusations of witchcraft, which disproportionately affect women in rural areas. He called on church leaders to support those marginalized by superstition and prejudice, offering compassion and tenderness to those most in need.
Pope Francis’ visit to Papua New Guinea is the second leg of his tour through Southeast Asia and Oceania, with stops in Indonesia, East Timor, and Singapore. His journey highlights the Pope’s dedication to bringing the message of love and peace to the farthest corners of the world.
Key Points:
i. Pope Francis visited Papua New Guinea, bringing medicine, musical instruments, and a message of peace to remote communities.
ii. He urged locals to end tribal violence and harmful practices, comparing unity to the harmony of an orchestra.
iii. Francis reassured the people that, despite their geographic isolation, they are always close to God and valued by the church.
iv. The Pope’s visit focused on marginalized groups, including women falsely accused of witchcraft, urging compassion for those affected by prejudice.
v. His visit is part of a broader tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania, continuing to East Timor and Singapore.
Charles William III – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News