Witnessing the people of Papua New Guinea welcome Pope Francis was a deeply moving experience. Traveling with a small group of journalists to the remote city of Vanimo, tucked away in the northwestern part of the country, offered a unique glimpse into the lives of some of the most isolated people in the world. The joy and gratitude of the people for the Pope’s visit were palpable, leaving an emotional imprint that will be hard to forget.
Waiting to welcome Pope Francis at the Caritas School run by Salesian sisters that has 1,000 female students in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea pic.twitter.com/KMp88lfW6l
— Dott. George Hitti /Terra Santa News (@george_hitti) September 8, 2024
The journey itself was extraordinary. After attending morning Mass at a stadium in Port Moresby, we watched as a team of Australian Special Forces boarded the military plane that would carry Pope Francis. Our own flight took us aboard a small Air Niugini Fokker 70 aircraft for a two-and-a-half-hour trip to Vanimo—a place so remote it can hardly be reached by road. I expected a warm reception for the Pope, but nothing could have prepared me for the sheer beauty of the land and the heartfelt joy of the people who awaited him.
The people of Papua New Guinea, adorned in their traditional tribal attire, were a sight to behold. Proud of their ancestry and culture, they turned out in full regalia, wearing feathers, flowers, shells, and intricately crafted ornaments. One man even donned a woven basket around his head, filled with tropical fruits, with small openings for his eyes—a symbol of their deep connection to the earth. The vibrant display of nature and tradition was a living ode to “Laudato sì,” Pope Francis’ encyclical on caring for our common home.
Pope Francis was visibly moved by the beauty of both the people and the land. He graciously accepted the tribal gifts made in his honor and watched as his hosts performed ancient dances. The missionaries, who work tirelessly in the region, shared stories of people walking for days through dense jungle, crossing rivers and mountains, just to be near their “father.”
“Pope Francis to receive Argentine welcome in remote Papua New Guinea town”
(Pope’s visit to Asia continues to generate positive headlines)@Pontifex #PopeinAsia https://t.co/QVB7wqsygF
— Ross Feingold (方恩格) (@RossFeingold) September 8, 2024
To the missionaries, Pope Francis offered words of encouragement: “You are doing something beautiful, and it is important that you are not left alone.” He reminded them that their work, though challenging, was vital. To the people of Papua New Guinea, he expressed admiration, calling them “experts in beauty” for living in a land that resembled the Garden of Eden. However, he went on to say, “The greatest treasure is to be found in your hearts.”
As the visit came to a close, Pope Francis left the people with a simple yet profound message: “The beauty of love can heal the world.” In this remote corner of the earth, it was clear that love, faith, and nature converged in a powerful way, offering hope for the future.
Key Points:
i. Pope Francis received a warm and heartfelt welcome from the people of Papua New Guinea during his visit to the remote city of Vanimo.
ii. The people, dressed in traditional tribal attire, showcased their deep connection to nature and culture, leaving a lasting impression on the Pope.
iii. Many traveled for days through difficult terrain just to be near Pope Francis, demonstrating their devotion.
iv. The Pope encouraged missionaries in the region and praised the beauty of both the land and the hearts of the people.
v. He left a message of unity, stating that “the beauty of love can heal the world.”
TL Holcomb – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
