The head of Catholic Church, Pope Francis, on the first full day of his historic visit to Papua New Guinea, underscored the Catholic Church’s commitment to serving the marginalized and vulnerable communities.
Addressing church leaders in Port Moresby, the capital, on Saturday, he urged them to prioritize those living on the “peripheries” and the most disadvantaged in urban areas.
In his remarks, Pope Francis emphasized that the Church’s mission involves reaching out to people “morally and physically” wounded by “prejudice and superstition.”
His call to action comes at a crucial time for Papua New Guinea, a country where, according to Human Rights Watch, women and girls face significant dangers, including some of the highest rates of sexual violence globally.
The pontiff’s speech was delivered at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, a vital hub for the local Catholic community’s charitable and educational efforts.
The church plays a pivotal role in addressing social challenges, providing services and support to those most in need.
Earlier in the day, Pope Francis paid a significant visit to the Caritas Technical Secondary School, which serves underprivileged girls, including those involved in the church’s “street ministry” and “Callan services” that assist the poor and people with disabilities.
The pope’s visit to the school highlighted his concern for the ongoing discrimination and violence women endure in Papua New Guinea. His presence at the institution, which empowers young girls through education, symbolized the Church’s dedication to uplifting the marginalized.
During his time at the shrine, Pope Francis heard heartfelt testimonies from two women involved in the church’s ministry.
In an impromptu moment, he urged local bishops and priests to embody the “style of God,” characterized by “closeness, tenderness, and compassion,” repeating his call for compassionate leadership twice to underscore its importance.
As part of the day’s events, Pope Francis also enjoyed a traditional dance performance by pupils from the Caritas Technical Secondary School, dressed in colourful attire, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Papua New Guinea.
The 87-year-old Argentine appeared in high spirits throughout the day, greeting the enthusiastic crowd gathered outside the shrine.
Speaking in English, he expressed his gratitude, thanking them for their patience, and offered his blessing. In a moment of lightheartedness, he quipped, “Pray for me, and not against me.”
Everywhere he went, Pope Francis was warmly received, with local groups donning traditional tribal clothing, welcoming him with song and dance.
His current trip, the longest of his papacy, is a grueling 12-day tour of Southeast Asia and the South Pacific. The journey will also take him to East Timor and Singapore, marking an extensive engagement with the Catholic communities in this part of the world.
