(ZENIT News / Port Moresby- Díli, 09.09.2024).- Pope Francis’s whirlwind tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania reached an emotional high on Monday, September 9, as he met with over 10,000 young people at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Papua New Guinea’s capital, Port Moresby. After a private Mass earlier that morning, the Pontiff made his way to the stadium, where vibrant cultural performances and heartfelt testimonies awaited.
As he arrived, the Pope was greeted by the enthusiastic cheers of young people, many waving flags and holding banners. Riding through the crowd in a golf cart, Francis took in the energy and excitement that filled the air. At 9:30 a.m. local time, the event officially kicked off with a traditional dance, followed by remarks from Bishop John Bosco Auram of Kimbe, Chair of the Youth Commission, who emphasized the role of faith in shaping the future of the youth.
The youth gathering featured three testimonies: one from a young woman from the Catholic Professional Society, and two from a young man and woman representing the diversity of the country’s younger generation. Their stories, filled with both challenges and aspirations, resonated with the Pope, who responded in his speech by calling on the youth to live courageously and remain rooted in their faith.
«The world needs your dreams and your courage,» Pope Francis said, urging them to be beacons of hope in a society that faces many obstacles. He reminded the audience that young people have the power to transform not only their lives but also their communities by building bridges of understanding and compassion.
As the event drew to a close, the young attendees performed a traditional dance, recited the Lord’s Prayer, and presented a gift to the Pope in a gesture of gratitude. With a final blessing, Pope Francis bid farewell to the crowd before heading to Port Moresby International Airport.
Departure from Papua New Guinea: A Farewell Full of Hope
At the airport, Pope Francis was received by Prime Minister James Marape for a brief meeting before the official farewell ceremony. After exchanging pleasantries with the delegation, the Pope boarded an Air Niugini flight bound for Timor-Leste, marking the end of his visit to Papua New Guinea. The Pope’s message of hope and the importance of faith left a lasting impression on the people, particularly the youth who had gathered in such large numbers.
A Warm Welcome in Timor-Leste
Upon landing at Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili, Timor-Leste, Pope Francis was welcomed by a crowd eager to greet the leader of the Catholic Church. Children in traditional attire presented flowers and a ceremonial scarf, the *tais*, in a gesture of respect and cultural pride.
The official welcome ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace, where the Pope was received by President José Manuel Ramos-Horta. Following the formalities, which included a guard of honor and the playing of national anthems, Pope Francis met with President Ramos-Horta for a private discussion. The two leaders reflected on the shared values of peace and reconciliation, key themes in a nation that has faced a long history of struggle for independence.
The meeting was followed by an exchange of gifts and a gathering with the President’s family, reflecting the Pope’s continued emphasis on the importance of family in social and spiritual life. Later, Francis addressed a gathering of political leaders, representatives of civil society, and members of the diplomatic corps in the Salão China of the Presidential Palace.
Pope’s Address to Timor-Leste’s Leaders
In his address to the Timorese authorities, Pope Francis praised the country’s progress in building peace after decades of conflict and the integral role the Catholic Church has played in the nation’s journey toward stability and reconciliation. He called for further efforts to combat poverty and ensure the dignity of all citizens. «A future of peace is built on justice, and justice begins with the care of the weakest among us,» he emphasized, calling for a renewed commitment to human rights and social development.
President Ramos-Horta, in his introductory remarks, expressed deep gratitude for the Pope’s visit, acknowledging the pivotal role the Church has played in the country’s fight for independence and its ongoing development.
A Day of Blessings and Farewells
The day concluded with a personal blessing from Pope Francis to over 1,000 employees of the Presidential Palace and their families, who had gathered in the courtyard for the occasion. The Pope’s presence and his words of encouragement were warmly received by all in attendance, underscoring the deep bond between Timor-Leste and the Catholic Church.
As the evening drew to a close, Pope Francis returned to the Apostolic Nunciature in Dili, where he will continue his historic visit to one of Asia’s most predominantly Catholic nations. With his messages of hope, reconciliation, and service, Pope Francis continues to inspire not only the youth of Papua New Guinea but also the people of Timor-Leste as they seek to build a future of peace and justice.
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