Pope Francis Visits Papua New Guinea: A Journey of Faith and Peace

Pope Francis arrived in Papua New Guinea during his tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania. He was warmly welcomed and discussed social justice issues. The visit included encouraging local Catholics, promoting interfaith peace, and addressing environmental concerns. Francis' message focused on hope, peace, and harmony among tribal groups.

Pope Francis touched down in Papua New Guinea on Friday, marking the second leg of his four-nation tour through Southeast Asia and Oceania. Welcomed by a cannon salute and marching band at Port Moresby airport, the 87-year-old pontiff momentarily lost his balance during the welcome ceremony but was promptly assisted by his security team.

During his visit, Pope Francis aimed to inspire the country's 10 million residents, most of whom are subsistence farmers. His speech, delivered amid a bustling three-day visit in Indonesia, encouraged locals to dream and work towards a civilization of peace. He also sought to strengthen interfaith ties in Indonesia, home to the world's largest Muslim population, by signing a declaration with the grand imam of Jakarta's Istiqlal Mosque, pledging to combat religious violence and protect the environment.

Francis' agenda in Papua New Guinea includes visits to remote areas to meet Catholic missionaries and address the nation's many social and environmental issues. The pope is expected to call for harmony among the country's tribal groups and highlight the challenges posed by climate change, in light of recent disasters like the landslide in Enga province that claimed numerous lives.

(With inputs from agencies.)