Embracing Pope Francis’ Message of Peace in Papua New Guinea
In a recent interview with Vatican News, Fr. Giorgio Licini, an Italian PIME missionary based in Port Moresby, expressed his belief that Pope Francis’ message of peace, solidarity, friendship, and reconciliation will resonate with the people of Papua New Guinea for years to come.
By Claudia Torres – Port Moresby
“The Pope’s visit to Papua New Guinea is a truly unique event, something that cannot be taken for granted given the distance and the country’s status in the global community,” Fr. Licini shared as he prepared for Holy Mass at Sir John Guise Stadium on Sunday, 8 September.
Having served as the General Secretary of the Bishops’ Conference of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands since 2003, Fr. Licini has developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the Catholic Church in the region.
He highlighted that societal issues such as poverty, isolation, and limited access to education and healthcare facilities in remote villages pose significant obstacles to spreading the message of Christ and the Gospel in Papua New Guinea.
Additionally, Fr. Licini noted the prevalence of violence stemming from tribal conflicts and ancestral disputes, as well as the growing urban poverty that leaves many young people feeling hopeless and directionless.
Despite these formidable challenges, Fr. Licini remains optimistic about the impact of Pope Francis’ visit, believing that the Pontiff’s message of peace and reconciliation will leave a lasting imprint on the hearts and minds of the people of Papua New Guinea.
