PORT MORESBY, 08 september 2024 (TATOLI) – Pope Francis held an open-air mass to thousands of Papuans Catholics in the capital of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, where catholic form the neighbouring country like Solomon Islands were also flew over to attend the mass.
The last Mass presided over by a pope in this second largest island country was in 1995 by St. John Paul II.
Almost thirty years after 1995, Francis became the second Pope to visit the country with the aim of bringing a message of hope and peace to PNG, a country known for tribal fighting and violence.
Almost thirty years after 1995, Francis became the second Pope to visit the country with the aim of bringing a message of hope and peace to PNG, a country known for tribal violence, but rich in natural and cultural resources, with more than 800 native languages spoken throughout the country.
In his homily at Mass, Pope Francis said that although Papua New Guinea is a remote island country, far away from the rest of the world and far from God and the Gospel, but “today
In his homily at the Mass, Pope Francis said that although Papua New Guinea is a remote island country, far from the rest of the world and far from God and the Gospel, the Lord wants to draw close to all Papuans who feel isolated from God and the Gospel.
“Brothers and sisters … you may at times have felt distant from God and the Gospel, unable to communicate with him or with each other. Yet … today the Lord wants to draw near to you, to break down distances, to let you know that you are at the centre of his heart and that each one of you is important to him,” Pope said in his homily at the open-air mass at the Sir John Guise Stadium, Port Moresby, on sunday (08/09).
The Holy Father urged the Papuans to “be opened” to receive the healing and teaching of God: “He wants to heal your deafness and muteness. He says to each one of you today.”
His Holiness also urged Papuan Catholics not to put their lives in the hands of blind fate, evil and witchcraft, as in Papua witchcraft accusations are still common in remote areas.
Belief in witchcraft and sorcery is deeply rooted in Papua New Guinea’s culture and history, but it can lead to violence, particularly against women. The Catholic church leaders are working to end this violence through gospel.
“Let us say ‘no’ to all that, because it locks us up in lies and fear! Instead, let us open ourselves to God and his word, to the Gospel, and to the Church’s faith. In this way, we will also be able to communicate with one another and build a different society, also here in Papua New Guinea,” said Pope Francis. “Today, the Lord also says to you, “Courage, people of Papua New Guinea, do not be afraid! Open yourselves! Open yourselves to the joy of the Gospel; open yourselves to encounter God; open yourselves to the love of your brothers and sisters.”
In his thanksgiving worlds at the end of the mass, PNG’s Cardinal John Ribat, said that the journey of His Holiness to PNG is timely: “It brings us blessings, peace and encouragement and deepens our faith.”
“We are very grateful for the Eucharistic celebration that we just celebrated with you. It unites us with the Church of Rome. Thank you sincerely for a wonderful and enriching visit. May our good Lord continue to bless you abundantly, especially with good health, as you continue to carry out your ministry,” said Cardinal Ribat.
The open-air mass began at around 7.45am Papua New Guinea’s time with the Pope entering the stadium, with thousands of Catholic Papuans cheering and singing to welcome His Holiness.
On their way to the altar, the Pope and the cardinals were accompanied by a traditional dance and tribal chants. The dancers wore colourful costumes in red, white, black and yellow, representing the flag of Papua New Guinea.
After the mass, Pope Francis immediately left for Vanimo, the capital of Sandaun Province to visit local Catholics in the province.
The Pope is scheduled to leave for Timor-Leste, the third country of his apostolic visit, where thousands of Timorese Catholics are beginning to flock to Dili to witness Pope Francis’ historic visit.
Journalist: Filomemo Martins
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
