Pope thanks Our Lady for Apostolic Journey to Asia and Oceania

Pope Francis stops at the Basilica of St. Mary Major upon his return to Rome to thank the Blessed Virgin Mary for her protection throughout his 12-day Apostolic Journey.

By Devin Watkins

As he returned to the Vatican from Fiumicino Airport on Friday, Pope Francis stopped off for a brief visit to the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

The Pope paused to pray for a moment at the feet of the ancient icon of Maria Salus Populi Romani, according to the Holy See Press Office.

He set a bouquet of flowers on the altar in the Gregorian Chapel, expressing his gratitude for her maternal protection during his 12-day Apostolic Journey to Asia and Oceania.

Pope Francis then returned to his car, which took him to his residence at the Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican.

The Pope visited Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore, making this the longest journey of his pontificate.

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Papal Visit, Vanimo - 8 September 2024.by Bonny Kaiyo

The theological basis for West Papuan sovereignty and nationhood is underpinned by the inalienable right to self determination for all nations that were formed by a Creator - God.

In the aftermath of UNHCR assignment in PNG on refugees fleeing Indonesian control of West Papua the PNG government granted permissive residence to thousands of 'terrorists', border crossers, and 'trouble - makers' from across the border. Later, K10,000 fee for those who chose citizenship in the country was waived so the option was on the table for all.

PNG could do much more for West Papua. It is a Christian country. US President Ronald Reagan stood on the West German side of the Bundaberg Wall and called for the wall and iron curtain to be torn down. 

USSR President Mickail Gorbachev heard. The Cold War already ended. A nation was divided. Germany was united. Christian heritage that issued from Europe could better deliver a conclusion to the decades of uncertainty and unrest in West Papua since 1960s. 

The demand for freedom from Indonesian colonial control is an international issue. It is also a Christian hope. The Blessed Hope. West Papua is a Christian country due to a past history under Dutch colonial tutelage.

Pope Francis has only to say a few words. Germany was united following the collapse of the iron curtain. For New Guinea, the critical threshold escapes definition by the international community.

The world's top moral leader visited Vanimo. Here, refugees from West Papua also integrated into the community because of the permissive residency status granted by the government.

It is a tough call to make. Pope Francis knows. West Papuan refugees had the only chance to tell him. The plight of West Papua as a refugee nation is about Christianity.

We thank Pope Francis for visiting Vanimo. The international community response to West Papua can begin with the refugee issue. But, there is a theological basis for self - determination.

May God Bless West Papua.

{Photo caption: writer, refugee settlement, forest of Vanimo)

POPE CALLS ON PNG TO FIND POLITICAL SOLUTION FOR BOUGAINVILLE

By Gorethy Kenneth 

Post Courier 

September 9, 2024.

HIS Holiness Pope Francis’ appeal to Papua New Guinea to find common ground for a lasting political solution for the people of Bougainville is one of compromise that recognises the desires of the people.

And Regional Member for Bougainville, who is also Police Minister, Peter Tsiamalili Jr said

he was heartened and emotional by this.

Mr Tsiamalili welcomed Pope Francis on behalf of the people of Bougainville and was on

hand to welcome His Excellency, Pope Francis at Jackson’s International Airport in Port

Moresby last Friday.

The Regional Member also attended an address by Pope Francis in Port Moresby at APEC Haus on Saturday where the Holy Father spoke about the need for unity, hope and love in advancing the interests of the nation.

During his address, the Pope also appealed to the nation to find common ground for a lasting

political solution for the people of Bougainville.

“The Pope’s message is one of compromise that recognises the desires of the Bougainville

people. I was heartened by his words, and as Regional Member remain steadfast in my belief

that we must deliver on the will and expectations of the Bougainville people,” Mr Tsiamalili said.

Speaking shortly after the Pope’s arrival, the Regional Member said that it was an honor to

be able to greet the Pope and to pass on the well wishes of all Bougainvilleans.

“Pope Francis is an inspiration to many Bougainvilleans. In a time of increasing global

uncertainty, his presence offers a beacon of hope,” he said.

Mr Tsiamalili said that the Pope’s visit, the first papal visit since Saint John Paul II who

visited PNG in 1995, offered a message of hope and forgiveness. 

“The fact that Pope Francis has chosen to visit Papua New Guinea reflects his mission to spread hope and forgiveness across the world,” he said.

“To hear Pope Francis speak on these issues was inspirational. As the leader of the Catholic

Church his words have deep meaning.”

Pope Francis also reinforced the role and importance of women in society, noting their

critical contribution to nation building,

“The Pope’s vision and affirmation of the role that women play in all societies is a timely

reminder for all of us in Bougainville and Papua New Guinea of the role that our mothers,

daughters, sisters and spouses play in promoting a stronger and more vibrant nation.”

Pope Francis to visit Papua New Guinea in August

Papua New Guinea will be hosting Pope Francis in late August.

Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands general secretary Father Victor Roche confirmed the Pope's visit with RNZ Pacific on Thursday.

Papua New Guinea has approximately two million Catholics - about 20 percent of the nation.

The Pope is visiting two cities in PNG over 3 to 4 days, with the first stop in the capital Port Moresby and the other city yet to be decided.

"We will be of course give a traditional cultural welcome. There are many churches. So all churches and government ministers will join in welcoming the Pope," he said.

"He will meet with Bishops, religious leaders and government ministers."

Late last year, it was being reported that the Pope was considering a visit to Polynesia, which got French Polynesia's Christians community excited.

But the trip to Papua New Guinea had been on the cards for almost a year.

Father Roche looked forward to meeting Pope Francis.

"I will congratulate him and shake his hand."

 Foon, RNZ Pacific Journalist

@eleishafoon

Pope Francis’s announcement for a possible trip to Polynesia in 2024 (PICTURE The Vatican)Pope Francis’s announcement for a possible trip to Polynesia in 2024. Photo: The Vatican

Papua New Guinea will be hosting Pope Francis in late August.

Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands general secretary Father Victor Roche confirmed the Pope's visit with RNZ Pacific on Thursday.

Papua New Guinea has approximately two million Catholics - about 20 percent of the nation.

The Pope is visiting two cities in PNG over 3 to 4 days, with the first stop in the capital Port Moresby and the other city yet to be decided.

"We will be of course give a traditional cultural welcome. There are many churches. So all churches and government ministers will join in welcoming the Pope," he said.

"He will meet with Bishops, religious leaders and government ministers."

Late last year, it was being reported that the Pope was considering a visit to Polynesia, which got French Polynesia's Christians community excited.

But the trip to Papua New Guinea had been on the cards for almost a year.

Father Roche looked forward to meeting Pope Francis.

"I will congratulate him and shake his hand."

People carry items as crowds leave shops with looted goods amid a state of unrest in Port Moresby on January 10, 2024. Papua New Guinea's prime minister declared a 14-day state of emergency in the capital on January 11, 2024, after 15 people were killed in riots as crowds looted and burned shops. (Photo by STRINGER / AFP)Photo: STRINGER

Meeting with government leaders

Following the recent social unrest involving rioting and looting, Father Roche also hoped the Pope would have some wisdom for government leaders.

Violence broke out in Port Moresby with shops and businesses set alight on 10 January, after public servants, including police and army personnel, went on strike over a payroll issue.

As many as 22 people died in the violence, which prompted the government to issue a state of emergency.

"Surely he will have discussion with government leaders. There will be a meeting with him. Whatever his concerns are about the people. He will say something," Father Roche said.

Although exact details were still being planned, Father Roche said when he shared the news with the general priests they clapped and were "really happy" about the visit.

He said the visit means a lot and holds "great importance for a small nation like Papua New Guinea."

It will be the third time a Pope has visited the nation. Pope John Paul II has visited twice before, first in 1984 and then again in 1995, but it is Pope Francis' first time to Papua New Guinea.