Welcome Pope Francis to Papua New Guinea! Overcoming Patriarchal Mentalities with Papal Visit
As Pope Francis embarks on the second leg of his 45th Apostolic Journey to Asia and Oceania, the media coordinator of the visit for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands shares insights into how the Pope’s presence could help the country overcome the patriarchal mentality that still lingers within Papuan society.
By Lisa Zengarini and Claudia Torres – Port Moresby
Having concluded an impactful visit to Indonesia, Pope Francis is now making his way to the picturesque country of Papua New Guinea, the second stop on his journey through Asia and Oceania. Set to spend several days in this island nation, the Pontiff will then proceed to Timor-Leste on 9 September.
Sister Daisy Anne Lisania Augustine, the secretary of the Social Communications Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (CBCPNGSI), as well as the media coordinator for the Papal visit, recently shared her thoughts on the preparations and her expectations for this significant visit.
Pastoral Closeness to the Periphery
Reflecting on the upcoming visit, the religious sister expressed her excitement and admiration for Pope Francis’s decision to include Papua New Guinea as one of his destinations in Asia and Oceania. She emphasized that this choice underscores the Pope’s commitment to being present at the “peripheries” of the world, a theme he often emphasizes in his teachings.
“For me, it’s very significant,” she said, “because what he is saying is: ‘I’m going where my people are. I want to be there with them.’ He’s coming here because he loves me as a Catholic.”
Sister Daisy pointed out that the Holy Father, who has been vocal about recognizing the importance of women’s roles and vocations in the Church, could also influence the patriarchal attitudes prevalent in Papuan society.
Recognition of Women’s Work in the Church
She reminisced about a poignant moment during the ad limina visit of the Bishops of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands last year when Pope Francis warmly acknowledged the presence of a religious woman among the bishops. This gesture of inclusion showcased the Pope’s appreciation for the contributions of women in the Church.
Recalling the audience at the Vatican, Sister Daisy highlighted how the Holy Father humorously recognized the vital role of communication in helping people understand the bishops’ role within the Church.
Potential Impact on Papuan Society
Looking ahead to Pope Francis’s visit, Sister Daisy expressed hope that his presence could lead to positive changes in how women are perceived and treated in Papuan society, where gender equality is still a pressing issue.
“I feel,” she said, “that this visit will bring hope to us, especially to those women who are still oppressed in our society, that the voices of those whose rights are not respected will be heard, because he’s coming for every one of us.”
“Pope Francis is coming to say, you are all equal, you are all one. You all are important in the eyes of God.”
