Pope Francis arrived in Papua New Guinea on Friday, marking the second stop of his extensive 11-day journey across Southeast Asia and Oceania. This visit makes him only the second pope to set foot in the strategically significant South Pacific nation, following in the footsteps of St. John Paul II, who visited in 1984 and 1995. The 87-year-old pontiff was greeted at Port Moresby airport with a cannon salute and a marching band, though he briefly lost his balance during the welcome ceremony, requiring assistance from his security team. Francis’ visit comes on the heels of a vibrant three-day stay in Indonesia, where he addressed a crowd of over 100,000 at a jubilant Mass and signed a historic interfaith declaration with Jakarta’s grand imam, pledging to combat religious violence and protect the environment. In Papua New Guinea, Francis’ agenda focuses on social justice, environmental stewardship, and fostering harmony among the nation’s diverse tribal communities. He is scheduled to meet with government officials, address local clergy, and visit Catholic missionaries working in remote areas. The country, home to over 10 million people, faces challenges such as tribal conflicts, environmental degradation, and the impacts of climate change. Francis’ visit is seen as a beacon of hope for the nation’s Catholic community, which makes up a significant portion of the population. The pope’s journey will continue to East Timor and Singapore before concluding on September 13.
Pope arrives in Papua New Guinea for the second leg of his Southeast Asia and Oceania trip
