Pope Francis set to visit Papua New Guinea to meet remote Catholics, address climate change

Port Moresby is ready for the Pope’s arrival, with flags flying across the city. Locals are selling T-shirts and hats to mark the event. Sister Daisy Anne Lisania, a church spokesperson, said there will be a traditional entrance with dancers during the mass.

Locals walk past a photo of Pope Francis ahead of his visit to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. (AP photo)

A special chair has been carved for the Pope to use during the service, which will take place at a local football stadium.

Papua New Guinea has over 800 languages and stretches across 600 islands. Christianity arrived nearly 200 years ago and remains central to the country’s daily life. Churches are found in almost every village, driving both social and economic development.

A special chair has been carved for the Pope to use during the service. (AP photo)

Papal visits to the country have been lively. In 1984, Pope John Paul II’s visit saw tribes chanting all night, raising concerns of conflict. During his 1995 visit, people credited him with bringing rain during a drought. This time, Pope Francis is expected to speak about climate change. Some hope he will also declare Peter To Rot, who was killed during World War II, as the country’s first saint.

Papua New Guinea is also gaining international attention as Western countries grow concerned over its ties with China. Pope Francis follows visits by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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