Pope Francis continued his historic tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania with a significant visit to Papua New Guinea, focusing on the remote town of Vanimo on September 8, 2024. Following a Mass attended by 35,000 people in Port Moresby, the Pope traveled to Vanimo, described as the ‘periphery of the periphery,’ with a population of about 11,000.In Vanimo, Pope Francis was greeted by an estimated 20,000 people, many of whom had traveled for days to see him. The Pope brought approximately one ton of humanitarian aid, including medical supplies, clothing, and toys for children. This gesture underscored his commitment to practical assistance alongside spiritual guidance.During his address, Pope Francis emphasized the beauty of the local community and their natural surroundings. He said, ‘The treasure that is most beautiful and precious is not the natural beauty of this land, but the love that is in your hearts’. The Pope called for an end to tribal rivalries, violence, and superstition, urging the community to be like an orchestra creating harmony.Pope Francis also highlighted the importance of missionary work and the role of local catechists. He praised their efforts in spreading the faith, saying, ‘They do something very beautiful, and it’s essential that the whole community supports them, so they can fulfill their mission with serenity’.The visit to Vanimo reinforced the Pope’s focus on bringing the Church to the ‘peripheries’ of the world. Bishop Francis Meli of Vanimo welcomed the Pope, describing his visit as a ‘symbol of peace in a world marked by conflicts and wars’.As Pope Francis continues his tour, which includes stops in East Timor and Singapore, his visit to Papua New Guinea has left a lasting impression. It has highlighted the global reach of the Catholic Church and the Pope’s commitment to addressing the needs of communities often overlooked on the world stage.
Key points
- Pope Francis visited Vanimo, a remote town in Papua New Guinea, bringing humanitarian aid and a message of love and unity.
- The Pope emphasized the importance of ending tribal rivalries, violence, and superstition in the community.
- This visit reinforces the Pope’s focus on bringing the Church to the ‘peripheries’ of the world.
