A Call for Compassion: Pope Francis in Papua New Guinea
August 26, 2024
On the first full day of his extensive Asia tour in Papua New Guinea, Pope Francis emphasized the Catholic Church's dedication to supporting marginalized communities. Addressing church leaders in Port Moresby, he emphasized the need to focus on the country's peripheries and the most deprived urban areas. His message was clear: the church must be present for those who are “morally and physically” wounded by societal issues such as prejudice and superstition. This call for action resonates strongly in Papua New Guinea, a country known for high levels of violence against women and girls, as reported by Human Rights Watch.
The Pope gave his address at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, a place where the Catholic community offers charitable and educational support. Prior to this, he visited the Caritas Technical Secondary School, an institution that provides education for underprivileged girls and assists those engaged in "street ministry" and "Callan services," which help the poorest and individuals with disabilities. His visit was significant, drawing attention to the rampant discrimination and violence faced by women in the country. During his visit to the shrine, Francis listened to testimonials from two women who are active in the church ministry, further highlighting the critical role of women in the church's outreach efforts.
During his speech, Pope Francis also deviated from his prepared remarks, urging bishops and priests to embody the “style of God” by showing closeness, tenderness, and compassion to those they serve. This was a key message of his visit, reinforcing the need for church leaders to maintain a compassionate and approachable demeanor, especially in their interactions with the marginalized.
His engagements with people were warm and humorous. Speaking to the crowd outside the shrine, he completed the English blessing and added, light-heartedly, “Pray for me, and not against me” - to laughter and applause. He also distributed chocolates to local children. On a less frivolous note, at every turn Bands of dancers and singers in colourful tribal gear heralded his arrival, an ecstatic expression of one of the world's most ethnically diverse nations - Papua New Guinea.
At 87 years old, Pope Francis is on the longest trip of his papacy, a 12-day journey to four countries in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, including East Timor and Singapore. His overnight visit to Papua New Guinea underscores this lifelong commitment to uplifting the marginalized and putting worldwide focus on issues of poverty, discrimination, and violence.
The Pope gave his address at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, a place where the Catholic community offers charitable and educational support. Prior to this, he visited the Caritas Technical Secondary School, an institution that provides education for underprivileged girls and assists those engaged in "street ministry" and "Callan services," which help the poorest and individuals with disabilities. His visit was significant, drawing attention to the rampant discrimination and violence faced by women in the country. During his visit to the shrine, Francis listened to testimonials from two women who are active in the church ministry, further highlighting the critical role of women in the church's outreach efforts.
During his speech, Pope Francis also deviated from his prepared remarks, urging bishops and priests to embody the “style of God” by showing closeness, tenderness, and compassion to those they serve. This was a key message of his visit, reinforcing the need for church leaders to maintain a compassionate and approachable demeanor, especially in their interactions with the marginalized.
His engagements with people were warm and humorous. Speaking to the crowd outside the shrine, he completed the English blessing and added, light-heartedly, “Pray for me, and not against me” - to laughter and applause. He also distributed chocolates to local children. On a less frivolous note, at every turn Bands of dancers and singers in colourful tribal gear heralded his arrival, an ecstatic expression of one of the world's most ethnically diverse nations - Papua New Guinea.
At 87 years old, Pope Francis is on the longest trip of his papacy, a 12-day journey to four countries in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, including East Timor and Singapore. His overnight visit to Papua New Guinea underscores this lifelong commitment to uplifting the marginalized and putting worldwide focus on issues of poverty, discrimination, and violence.