Pope Francis arrived in Papua New Guinea on Friday, marking the second leg of his four-nation trip through Southeast Asia and Oceania. The 87-year-old pontiff received a warm welcome at the Port Moresby airport, with a cannon salute and marching band greeting him upon his arrival from Jakarta, Indonesia.
During his visit to Indonesia, the pope faced security concerns as Indonesian police detained seven individuals suspected of making threats on social media regarding potential disruptions to the pope's security protocol. Despite these challenges, Francis concluded his Indonesia visit with a Mass attended by over 100,000 people, surpassing initial attendance estimates.
In Papua New Guinea, the pope's agenda focuses on social justice priorities. He is set to meet with government officials, address the country's bishops, priests, and religious sisters, and visit children under the care of charity services. Additionally, Francis will travel to remote areas to check on Catholic missionaries working to spread the faith among tribal communities.
The Commonwealth nation of Papua New Guinea, with a population exceeding 10 million, is predominantly made up of subsistence farmers. The pope's visit holds significance for local Catholics, with many expressing the importance of witnessing the head of the Catholic Church in their country.
As Francis navigates his visit, themes of tribal harmony, environmental protection, and climate change are expected to feature prominently. The country's diverse Indigenous population, with over 800 languages spoken, has grappled with tribal conflicts over land for centuries, exacerbated by recent lethal escalations.
Papua New Guinea's fragile ecosystem and natural resources face threats from exploitation and climate change impacts. The government recently attributed a devastating landslide in Enga province to extraordinary rainfall, resulting in a significant loss of life.
Francis' visit to Papua New Guinea follows in the footsteps of St. John Paul II, who visited the country in 1984 and 1995. The current pope's tour, encompassing Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore, underscores his commitment to engaging with diverse communities and addressing pressing global issues.
