PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Pope going to Papua New Guinea’s margins
Catholics living in an isolated part of Papua New Guinea are overjoyed that Pope Francis will be visiting them as part his forthcoming trip.
Pope Francis is set to go to the commonwealth nation from 6th to 9th September 2024, and missionary Father Martín Prado, who lives in the coastal city of Vanimo, said that the local community is overjoyed to be on the papal itinerary.
The Institute of the Incarnate Word missionary told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN): “The Holy Father’s visit to Papua New Guinea, and particularly to Vanimo, was greeted with great surprise and joy by everyone.”
Father Prado added that locals are elated that the pope will be coming – despite the city being hard to reach.
He said: “The only way to come or go from Vanimo is by aeroplane or by boat.” And even river crossings can be difficult following heavy rainfalls.
Located in the north-west, the city is the capital of Sandaun Province and has a population of around 11,200.
More live in remote settlements in the surrounding jungle, including numerous Catholics.
Father Prado said: “In the jungle, for instance, we have had the opportunity to baptise entire families, to teach them to make the sign of the cross, and to preach the Gospel for the first time.
“There are people who truly thirst for God, for spiritual life.”
In preparation for the papal visit, up to 4,000 people have taken part in nightly Rosary prayers and other spiritual activities organised on a football pitch in the city.
Father Prado said: “We organise talks, hymns and some dances, things that the Papuans are very fond of.
“Besides that, we have had confessions, attended by people from all parishes, who came by foot or on trucks. It was very moving.”
Father Prado told ACN that the Church is committed to helping the local community, many of whom face dire poverty.
The Institute of the Incarnate Word missionary said: “People live in very poor conditions and almost have no medicines.
“We are trying to build a home for disabled children and a school and a home for orphan girls who have been victims of violence.
“We always need help for that, but we know that God will always provide, his help will come through the hearts of generous benefactors.
“We are very grateful to Aid to the Church in Need – thanks to the foundation, we have been able to carry out many different projects and help introduce more people to the love of Christ.”
Pope Francis will become the second pontiff to visit Papua New Guinea, following Pope John Paul II who went there in 1984 and 1995.
Pope Francis is due to go to Vanimo on 8th September and celebrate Mass.
As part of his trip, he is scheduled to meet Sir Bob Dadae the Governor General, the country’s most senior official, who acts as the representative of the Papua New Guinea’s monarch King Charles III.