VANIMO, Papua New Guinea. Pope Francis journeyed to the remote jungles of Papua New Guinea on Sunday, bringing with him a ton of humanitarian aid and toys for the local communities. This trip, aimed at celebrating the Catholic Church’s outreach to the most isolated corners of the world, was marked by the delivery of medicine, clothing, musical instruments, and a powerful message of hope.
Flying aboard a Royal Australian Air Force C-130 transport plane, Francis arrived in Vanimo, a small town on Papua New Guinea’s northwest coast. The Pope was greeted by 20,000 local residents, who sang and danced in a vibrant welcome. The local Catholic community, along with missionaries from Francis’ native Argentina, had long been anticipating his arrival. During the ceremony, Pope Francis donned a feathered headdress gifted by the community and addressed the crowd from a raised stage.
In his speech, Pope Francis praised the dedication of Catholic missionaries who serve in remote regions but reminded the people of Vanimo that true change must come from within. He called on the community to unite like an orchestra, where every individual plays a role in overcoming rivalries and building harmony.
“Drive out fear, superstition, and magic from people’s hearts,” Pope Francis urged. He condemned the tribal violence and destructive behaviors that have plagued the region, such as gender-based violence, alcoholism, and drug abuse. “These evils imprison and take away the happiness of so many of our brothers and sisters,” the Pope emphasized.
Earlier that day, Pope Francis celebrated Mass in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, before a congregation of 35,000. In his homily, he acknowledged the country’s sense of distance from the global Church but reassured them of God’s enduring presence. “You who live on this large island in the Pacific Ocean may sometimes have thought of yourselves as a far away and distant land, situated at the edge of the world,” Francis said. “Yet today the Lord wants to draw near to you, to let you know that you are at the center of his heart and that each one of you is important to him.”
Pope Francis’ journey to Vanimo is part of his broader commitment to reaching the “peripheries” of society, a principle he has championed since his election as pope in 2013. The remote town of Vanimo, with a population of just 11,000, is located near the border of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, accessible primarily by plane or boat.
Francis’ deep connection with Catholic missionaries was evident throughout the visit. The Pope’s trip to Vanimo was made possible largely due to the efforts of Rev. Martin Prado, an Argentine missionary who has worked in the region for over a decade. Rev. Prado shared the story of how, in 2019, he accompanied a group of parishioners to the Vatican and personally invited Pope Francis to visit Vanimo. “He has a big heart for people. It’s not just words: He does what he says,” Prado said, recalling the Pope’s response to the invitation.
In addition to humanitarian aid, Pope Francis is helping to build a new secondary school in the diocese. Rev. Prado noted that half of the children in the region are unable to attend high school due to a lack of available spots.
The event also carried a distinct Argentine flair, with a statue of the Virgin of Lujan, the patron saint of Argentina, prominently displayed on the stage. After the public ceremony, Pope Francis met privately with local nuns and missionary priests, where he was served mate, a traditional Argentine tea.
Pope Francis’ visit to Papua New Guinea is part of his four-nation tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania. After his stop in Vanimo, the Pope will continue his journey, with planned visits to East Timor and Singapore later this week.
This trip, like many of Pope Francis’ international travels, highlights his commitment to championing the most marginalized communities. With 2.5 million Catholics in Papua New Guinea, a country of approximately 10 million, the Pope’s visit reinforces the Catholic Church’s presence and support in the region, where the faith is often intertwined with traditional Indigenous beliefs.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
