(ZENIT News / Rome, 09.04.2024).- As Papua New Guinea eagerly anticipates the arrival of Pope Francis on September 6, preparations across the country have reached a fever pitch. The Pope’s visit, spanning three days, is seen as a landmark event for the island nation, renowned for its rich cultural and religious diversity. With tickets for the Papal Mass at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby already sold out, the enthusiasm is palpable among the locals.
Elias Wohengu, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the immense effort involved in organizing an event of this magnitude. He praised the dedication of the people of Papua New Guinea, who have been working tirelessly to ensure that the visit is a resounding success. The stadium is set to host over 34,000 attendees on September 8, pushing its capacity to the limit, while a special flight to Vanimo on the northern coast is also part of the elaborate preparations.
This visit is part of a broader journey by Pope Francis that includes stops in other Asia-Pacific nations such as Indonesia, East Timor, and Singapore. The Pope’s choice of destinations reflects his ongoing mission to shine a light on regions often overlooked by the global community. For Pope Francis, who has consistently championed the causes of the marginalized, this visit underscores his commitment to those on the fringes.
Dr. Joel Hodge, a theology professor at the Australian Catholic University, highlighted the significance of the Pope’s itinerary, noting that it aligns with his longstanding advocacy for the poor and underserved. «Pope Francis’ visit to these developing countries reinforces his dedication to those who need it most,» Hodge commented.
A particularly anticipated moment during the visit is the potential canonization of Peter To Rot, a revered local catechist within Papua New Guinea’s Catholic community. Additionally, there is hope that Pope Francis will address the pressing issue of refugees stranded in the country. Since 2013, around 70 asylum seekers have been living in Papua New Guinea under challenging conditions due to a deal with Australia that rerouted them here as part of its offshore detention policy.
Human rights advocates are optimistic that the Pope will draw international attention to the plight of these refugees, advocating for a fair resolution to their prolonged ordeal.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has maintained a neutral stance on local political issues, but his global influence often touches on broader themes such as climate change, which is of particular concern to island nations like Papua New Guinea. Observers speculate that his visit could serve as a platform to address the environmental challenges that threaten the region.
On the domestic front, the country is experiencing political tension surrounding a proposed constitutional amendment by evangelical groups. The amendment seeks to enshrine the Holy Trinity as the foundation of political authority and rename the country as the «Independent Christian State of Papua New Guinea.» While the Catholic Church upholds Christian values, it has expressed reservations about the potential impact on the country’s religious diversity.
Vatican News journalist Lisa Zengarini warned that this amendment could significantly alter the state’s character, shifting it towards a confessional state, a departure from the pluralism that has historically defined Papua New Guinean society. The Catholic bishops have reiterated the importance of maintaining the separation between church and state, a principle enshrined in the current Constitution.
Pope Francis’ visit, following those of John Paul II in 1984 and 1995, is infused with deep symbolic and practical significance. It highlights the Pope’s unwavering commitment to the world’s most remote and needy regions while also bringing to the fore the complex social and political challenges faced by Papua New Guinea. During his time in the country, the Pope is expected not only to celebrate the Catholic faith but also to open avenues for dialogue and hope for the people of Papua New Guinea.
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