• Announcement of Pope Francis' Visit:

  • Most Reverend Otto Separy, President of the Catholic Bishop Conference (CBC) and Bishop of Bereina, announced the state visit by Pope Francis to Papua New Guinea (PNG) from September 6-9, 2024.
  • The visit is significant for all Christians in PNG, a predominantly Christian country, and not just for Catholics.

• Itinerary Highlights:

  • September 6: Pope Francis will arrive and stay at the Vatican Embassy in PNG.
  • September 7: He will visit the Governor General of PNG and meet with state leaders at APEC Haus. Additionally, he will gather with the PNG Council of Churches.
  • September 7 Afternoon: The Pope will travel to Vanimo and later engage with the youth at a festival at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby.

• Inclusive and Compassionate Engagements:

  • Pope Francis is scheduled to meet with the disabled and the sick, emphasizing his spirit of inclusivity and care.

• Significance and Support:

  • His Eminence, Sir John Cardinal Ribat, Archbishop of Port Moresby, highlighted the visit's importance, especially after recent natural disasters in PNG.
  • The visit is seen as a blessing and a boost to the nation's global image.
  • Cardinal Ribat appreciated the PNG government's support and security arrangements for the visit.

• Potential Canonization:

  • Cardinal Ribat mentioned the possibility of the canonization of Blessed Peter Torot during the Pope's visit, which would mark PNG's first saint.

This visit presents an excellent opportunity for Catholics in the Diocese of Cairns, given the proximity to PNG, to participate in this significant spiritual event.