Pope Francis made a historic visit to Vanimo, a small coastal town on Papua New Guinea’s remote northwest coast, as part of his ongoing tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania.
The pontiff’s visit, which followed a mass in Port Moresby attended by about 35,000 people, was marked by a warm reception from the local Catholic community.
Upon arriving in Vanimo, Pope Francis was greeted by enthusiastic crowds and a ceremonial display featuring traditional dances and local attire. The town, located near the border with Indonesia, came to a standstill as it hosted the pope for a three-hour visit.
During his visit, Pope Francis delivered a message of unity and support to the local community. Addressing a gathering outside the town’s wood-panelled cathedral, he expressed appreciation for the beauty of the land and the strength of the community.
“You are doing something beautiful, and it is important that you are not left alone,” the pope told the crowd.
The pope’s visit included the distribution of nearly a tonne of humanitarian aid and toys to local residents and missionaries. The aid was intended to support the Catholic community and missionary work in the region.
Pope Francis’s trip to Papua New Guinea is the second leg of his four-nation tour, which began in Indonesia. Following his visit to Vanimo, he will travel to East Timor and Singapore to complete his tour. His visit to Papua New Guinea has been highlighted as a significant effort to bridge distances and address the challenges faced by remote communities.
In his mass earlier in Port Moresby, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of reaching out to those on the peripheries of society and assured them of God’s closeness despite their geographical isolation. He encouraged the faithful to overcome divisions and move beyond fear and superstition.
The visit has drawn attention to the challenges faced by Papua New Guinea, including issues related to tribal violence and traditional practices. Pope Francis’s call for unity and support for the local population reflects his broader mission to address both spiritual and social issues across diverse regions.
The Guardian, the New York Post, and Vatican News contributed to this report.
