Pope Francis made history as the second pope to visit Papua New Guinea as part of his tour through Southeast Asia and Oceania. The pope celebrated the Catholic Church of the peripheries during his visit to the remote jungles of Papua New Guinea, bringing along a ton of humanitarian aid. Upon his arrival in Vanimo, a crowd of around 20,000 people greeted him, singing and dancing in celebration. Francis highlighted the importance of spreading faith but also emphasized the need to address tribal rivalries and violence that plague the region.
The pope called for an end to personal, family, and tribal divisions that lead to destructive behaviors such as violence, infidelity, and drug abuse. He acknowledged the ethnic violence over land disputes and urged the faithful to work towards unity and harmony within their communities. Francis reminded the crowd that God is near to them, regardless of how far they may feel from their faith or the church. Following the Mass, Francis boarded a plane loaded with humanitarian aid, including medicine, clothes, and toys, showcasing his commitment to reaching out to those on the peripheries of society.
Francis has long prioritized the church on the peripheries, believing it to be more significant than the central institution. His decision to visit remote communities rather than European capitals reflects his dedication to reaching out to marginalized Catholics. In Vanimo, a coastal city known for surfing, the pope connected with the local Catholic community and missionaries from his native Argentina. With approximately 2.5 million Catholics out of a population of 10 million in Papua New Guinea, Francis urged church leaders to address social issues such as prejudice and superstition, particularly harmful practices like accusing women of witchcraft.
During his homily in Vanimo, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of unity and compassion among the faithful, encouraging them to work towards breaking down barriers that divide communities. He reassured the crowd that each individual is essential to God and that they are at the center of His heart. The pope’s visit to Papua New Guinea was part of his larger tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania, reflecting his commitment to engaging with diverse and remote communities. Through his actions and words, Francis highlighted the significance of reaching out to those in need and fostering unity within the Catholic Church.
