Papua New Guinea, for the first time has been represented in the College of Cardinals by the Archbishop of Port Moresby Catholic Archdiocese, Sir John Ribat.
The historical announcement was made by Pope Francis at the Vatican on Sunday October 9.
Archbishop Sir John Ribat is among seventeen others in the universal Catholic Church, chosen as cardinals.
Now known as His Eminence, Cardinal elect, Sir John Ribat, he is the first local and the sixth living Cardinal from Oceania.
Indeed it is a great moment of joy for Papua New Guinea, as one its very own, has been chosen by the Pope, as Cardinal in the Catholic Church.
Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop, Kurian Mathew Vayalunkal, and staff of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands including the media congratulated, His Eminence, Cardinal Elect, Sir John Ribat.
The Apostolic Nuncio said, this was truly a gift for Papua New Guinea in this Jubilee Year of Mercy and the 50 Years of the Foundation of the Diocese in both countries.
This announcement has brought joy to many passing their congratulatory messages on social media and also at their home.
Caritas Technical Secondary School Principal Esther Mwayemwana says that for a Papua New Guinean chosen as a cardinal shows the maturity of faith in the country.
“On behalf of Caritas, I would like to congratulate Sir John Ribat. He is a very humble man and a good church leader.”
“We are moving forward and let us stand for our country,” she said.
Pope Francis will elevate the new cardinals at a formal ceremony, known as consistory at the Vatican on November 19, the vigil of the conclusion of the Jubilee Year of Mercy.
