Pope Francis began his first full day in Papua New Guinea by meeting with the nation’s authorities, representatives of civil society, and the diplomatic corps. On the morning of Saturday, 7 September, they welcomed the Pope at the APEC House in the capital Port Moresby.

The Governor General of Papua New Guinea, Sir Bob Bofend Dadae, offered warm words of welcome for the Pope, recalling the history of the Catholic Church in the country and the contributions it has made and continues to make to society.

The Governor General had welcomed the Pope privately to the Government House earlier, just before the meeting with all the authorities and diplomats.

Pope Francis thanked the Governor General for opening “the doors of your beautiful country, so far from Rome and yet so close to the heart of the Catholic Church.”

He paid tribute to the nation’s people, inhabiting an archipelago with hundreds of islands and where more than eight hundred languages are spoken, each representing unique ethnic groups, calling it “an extraordinary cultural richness.”

The Pope remarked that the country is also rich in natural resources, which are “goods are destined by God for the entire community,” even if outside help is needed in harnessing them.

“It is only right that the needs of local people are given due consideration when distributing the proceeds and employing workers, in order to improve their living conditions,” he said.

These efforts require great responsibility and cooperation to develop these resources in an equitable and sustainable manner, he noted.

The Pope expressed his hopes that tribal violence in the nation will cease, so that there are no more victims and lives can improve.

He appealed for everyone to “resolutely embark on the path that leads to fruitful cooperation for the benefit of all the people of the country.” Dialogue can help find the way forward so that health, education and opportunities for dignified work can all be improved, he added.

While assuring everyone has access to the basic necessities of life, people also “need great hope in their hearts” to live fully and meaningfully, the Pope went on to say, explaining how a broader spiritual outlook is needed rooted in faith.

The Pope explained how the motto of his visit to Papua New Guinea is summed up in one word: “Pray.” He emphasized how “a people that prays has a future, drawing strength and hope from above.”

A prayerful disposition, added Pope Francis, brings inner freedom, as the image of the bird of paradise on the logo of the Journey, just as on the national flag is a symbol of freedom, “a freedom that no one and nothing can stifle because it is within us, and is guarded by God who is love and wants his children to be free.”

The Pope then said for those who profess Christian faith, who constitute the majority of the people, he expressed his fervent hope that their faith may be more than an observance of rituals and precepts, and be distinguished “by love of Jesus Christ and following him as a disciple.”

Faith, he said, “can become a lived culture, inspiring minds and actions and becoming a beacon of light that illuminates the path forward.”

He praised the living expression of faith of the Christian communities and for the charitable work they are carrying out in the country, encouraging them to work in cooperation with public institutions and all people of good will.

In conclusion, Pope Francis recalled the shining witness of Blessed Peter To Rot, together with that of Blessed John Mazzucconi, PIME, and all the missionaries who dedicated their lives here, giving the people strength and hope.

Governor-General of Papua New Guinea warmly greets Pope Francis

On the other hand, before heading to the Apec Haus in Port Moresby to meet with civil authorities, Pope Francis paid a courtesy visit to Papua New Guinea’s Governor-General, Sir Bob Bofeng Dada, at the Government House in the capital’s suburb of Konedobu.

In his greeting speech, the Governor warmly welcomed the Pope on behalf of the government and people of Papua New Guinea, emphasizing the historical and spiritual significance of the visit.

Recalling that the Catholic Church’s presence in the country dates back to the mid-19th century, he recognized its pivotal role in education, health, and spiritual care in the country and its ongoing efforts to bring education and health services to its most remote areas.

Sir Bofeng Dada also praised the Church’s advocacy for peace, justice, respect for human dignity and gender equality and its call for global action to address climate change, which has a severe impact on Papuan remote islands.

He further highlighted the government’s partnership with the Church, particularly in providing funding support and integrating Church workers into the government payroll system, signifying a deep commitment to the Church-State collaboration in Papua New Guinea.

The Governor-General concluded by saying that the Pope’s visit will leave a lasting spiritual impact on the Papuan people, and asked for his prayers the country’s leaders and people to strengthen their faith in the face of global challenges.