Welcome to our blog post where we discuss the anticipated visit of Pope Francis to Papua New Guinea and the impact it will have on the nation. The Montfort Missionary Bishop of Lae, Rozario Menezes, SMM, sheds light on the various challenges facing the country and expresses his belief that the Pope’s visit will bring about positive change.
Papuans are eagerly looking forward to Pope Francis’ visit, expecting it to address the prevailing issues in their society. Bishop Menezes highlights the existing challenges of poverty, corruption, sorcery-related violence, and the growing concern of climate change in Papua New Guinea.
Bishop Menezes, hailing from India, serves as the Bishop of Lae and shares insights with Vatican News’ Delphine Allaire on the spiritual preparations of Papuan parishes for the Pope’s visit. The excitement and anticipation among the faithful reflect the unity and hospitality ingrained in Papuan culture.
Coming together as one family
The Papuan faithful, many of whom have journeyed long distances, symbolize hope and unity as they eagerly await Pope Francis’ Mass at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby. This sense of togetherness, according to Bishop Menezes, embodies the essence of Papuan hospitality.
“People are feeling that a holy man is coming to our land and you can feel Papuan hospitality. So that is why people are coming: so that they can be part of this big event.”
Poverty, corruption, and climate change
The Bishop highlights the urgent need for addressing poverty, corruption, and climate change in Papua New Guinea. Despite its natural resources, mismanagement and lack of transparency have led to widespread poverty, while climate change poses a significant threat to the nation’s environment and inhabitants.
“As Church, we are calling on all stakeholders, to pay attention to nature so that we don’t contribute to its destruction, but we try to protect it.”
Sorcery-related violence
Bishop Menezes expresses concern over sorcery-related violence in Papuan culture, emphasizing the need to eradicate this harmful practice. The Church condemns the violence and torture inflicted on individuals accused of witchcraft, advocating for respect for human life.
Pope Francis’ enduring influence
Lastly, Bishop Menezes believes that Pope Francis’ visit will bring about lasting change in Papua New Guinea, as his message resonates with people worldwide. The Bishop hopes for a positive transformation in the lives of Papuans, leading to a brighter future for the nation.
