Welcome to Cardinal John Ribat’s Blog!
Greetings, fellow readers! Today, I am thrilled to share with you my thoughts on the upcoming 45th Apostolic Journey of Pope Francis, where he will be visiting Papua New Guinea from September 6-9.
As the Archbishop of Port Moresby, I am honored to welcome Pope Francis to our beautiful country. This historic visit is set to be a momentous event for the 500,000 inhabitants of our diocese, which is comprised of 22 parishes, with 19 in the city and the rest in rural areas.
The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus first arrived in Papua New Guinea in 1882, laying the foundation for the growth of the local Church. Over the years, we have seen the faithful embrace the teachings of Christ, leading to a flourishing community.
There is a palpable sense of anticipation as we prepare to welcome people from all corners of the country for the Pope’s visit. Some will embark on a five-day journey on foot from the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Mount Hagen in the Highlands to be part of this historic occasion.
Despite the challenges posed by limited road access to Port Moresby, we are committed to ensuring that our guests are accommodated during this momentous occasion. Schools and parishes will open their doors to host visitors from far and wide.
During the visit, Pope Francis will be meeting with various groups, including priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, seminarians, and catechists. There will also be a special meeting with marginalized children, underscoring the importance of compassion and care for those in need.
In addition to fostering unity within the Church, we also engage in ecumenical and interreligious dialogue with members of other faiths in our diocese. This spirit of cooperation and understanding has been instrumental in promoting peace and harmony in our community.
As we eagerly await the Pope’s arrival, we are hopeful that his visit will bring light, hope, and blessings to our nation. In the face of challenges such as natural disasters and social unrest, the presence of Pope Francis serves as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for renewal.
We see this visit as an opportunity to come together, to forgive, to love, and to build a brighter future for Papua New Guinea. The Vicar of Christ’s arrival is a source of strength and peace for us, inspiring us to work towards a future rooted in peace, forgiveness, and love.
Join me in eagerly anticipating this momentous occasion, as we prepare to welcome Pope Francis with open hearts and minds. Together, let us embrace this opportunity for renewal and unity as we look towards a brighter future for our beloved nation.
