On a sunny Sunday, Pope Francis took a special journey to a remote town in Papua New Guinea, where he urged local Catholics to be living missionaries right in their own communities.
His message was clear: replace superstition and fear with love, and work together to build a stronger, more compassionate society.
A Journey to Vanimo
Following a Mass celebration in Port Moresby on September 8, the Pope traveled an impressive 620 miles by air to reach Vanimo.
This coastal town, nestled on a peninsula in the northwest of Papua New Guinea and close to the Indonesian border, is renowned for its stunning white sand beaches.
The pontiff arrived after a two-hour flight on an Australian military C-130 plane, bringing essential supplies such as medicine, clothing, and toys for the local residents.
A Call to Community Action
Upon arriving, Pope Francis addressed around 20,000 local Catholics gathered outside the Pro-Cathedral of the Holy Cross.
He encouraged them to embody the spirit of mission in every aspect of their lives—at home, in schools, and workplaces.
His vision was to create a community where the natural beauty of the land is mirrored by the beauty of a loving, supportive society.
He spoke passionately about transforming rivalries and overcoming divisions—whether personal, family, or tribal.
His goal was to eliminate fear, superstition, and harmful behaviors like violence and substance abuse, which he believes rob people of happiness.
A Rich History and a Bright Future
The Catholic diocese of Vanimo, which serves about 41,000 Catholics—roughly 30% of the local population—has a deep-rooted missionary history.
Since 2018, Bishop Francis Meli, a native of Papua New Guinea, has been leading the diocese, which was initially established as an apostolic prefecture in 1963.
During the visit, Bishop Meli consecrated the diocese to the Virgin Mary, symbolizing a renewed commitment to faith and community.
Embracing the True Treasure
Pope Francis highlighted that while tourists often rave about the natural beauty of Papua New Guinea, the true treasure lies within the hearts of its people and their charity towards each other.
He encouraged the locals to share this invaluable gift, making their nation renowned not just for its landscapes, but for the kindness and goodness of its people.
A Day Full of Meaning
During his visit, the Pope also took time to visit Holy Trinity Humanistic School in Baro, a Catholic institution established by Passionist missionaries in 1964.
The school, which serves 400 elementary students and 100 middle schoolers, represents a significant part of the community’s educational efforts.
Pope Francis’ day concluded with a private meeting with missionaries and a performance by the Queen of Paradise Children’s Orchestra, before he flew back to Port Moresby for the night.
Looking Ahead
Pope Francis’ visit to Papua New Guinea was part of an 11-day journey through Southeast Asia and Oceania.
After his time in Vanimo, he will return to the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby to address young people before heading to East Timor.
The visit underscores his ongoing commitment to fostering faith and community across the globe.
What’s next for the Pope’s journey? Stay tuned as he continues his apostolic mission, bringing his message of hope and love to more parts of the world.