Papua New Guinea has had a unique experience with the visit of Pope Francis.
This was his longest Apostolic Journey to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore had come to an end, leaving the people with personal, powerful and emotional messages for every individual.
For us in Papua New Guinea “his coming to us at the periphery is not a question of breaking records”, said Cardinal Antonio Tagle, but rather it is “an act of humility before the Lord, who calls us in obedience to the mission”.
According to the Catholic Bishop Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, Throughout his time in the country he was present for everyone, listening intently, offering with words of encouragement and inspiring peace, love and hope amidst the violence that hinders development.
“A calmness reigned over the city, during the four days”, remarked Steven Mase, NBC program coordinator as he described the atmosphere in Papua New Guinea during the days of the visit.
The Pope told the young people, “’Be a Wantok of love,’ speak the language of the heart, the language of love, the language of Service’.
Pope Francis impressed every one with his simplicity. He traveled in a simple family car, greeted people, shaking hands and blessing everyone. His home was in the suburbs of Port Moresby, at the Apostolic Nunciature, Korobosea.
What stands out would be his visit to Baro, a little village in Vanimo at the personal invitation of a group of pilgrims led by Fr Martin Prado IVE, in 2019.
