In a significant and heartwarming journey, Bishop Joseph Caddy AM recently traveled to Papua New Guinea, where he joined Pope Francis and fellow bishops in a historic gathering. This journey was a deeply spiritual experience, culminating in a publicly aired Mass that left a lasting impact on Bishop Joe, who felt a profound connection to both the event and the people of Cairns.

At the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop Joe captured four photos that encapsulate the sacredness and magnitude of the moment. The first two photos were taken just a few metres from Pope Francis, who, seated in his wheelchair, was praying before a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding Baby Jesus. In these images, the Pope's devotion is palpable, and the sight of him deep in prayer was a powerful reminder of the humility and grace that define his leadership.

The third and fourth photos offer a wider view, capturing the immense congregation gathered to celebrate the occasion. Numerous priests, alongside thousands of faithful attendees, filled the stadium, creating a vibrant and unified scene of worship. The sheer number of people present reflected the deep-rooted faith in Papua New Guinea and the sense of joy that permeated the event.

In his characteristic humility, Bishop Joe chose to take these photos only after the Mass had concluded, out of respect for the solemnity of the occasion. His decision reflects his deep reverence for the sacredness of the liturgy and his commitment to ensuring that the focus remained on the Mass itself.

For Bishop Joe, this visit to Papua New Guinea also held special geographical and pastoral significance. He explained, "The Torres Strait Islands are jointly shared between Australia and Papua New Guinea, making our regions closely connected. Additionally, Port Moresby, where the papal visit took place, is the closest capital city to Cairns, at just about 840 kilometres away. By contrast, Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is much farther at approximately 1,700 kilometres. This proximity to Papua New Guinea emphasises the importance of our relationship with our northern neighbours, and it was important for me to be present in this significant moment for the Church in the region."

For Bishop Joe, these photos were not just personal mementos, but a way to bring the Diocese of Cairns into the moment with him. "I wanted the people of Cairns to feel represented," he said. "As their new bishop, I felt it was important to share this experience with them—so they too could feel part of this journey."

Photos taken by Bishop Joseph Caddy AM, Diocese of Cairns.