By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Pope Francis delivered an open-air mass in Papua New Guinea on Sunday, September 8, 2024, drawing an estimated 35,000 worshippers at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby. Addressing a diverse crowd, the Pope urged Papua New Guinea, “a nation at the edge of the world,” to embrace the Catholic faith and strengthen their spiritual connection.
His homily focused on bringing those on the “periphery” closer to the Church, emphasizing that “the Lord wants to draw near to you, to break down distances.” The mass featured a vibrant mix of worshippers, from clergy in green robes to tribespeople in traditional attire. Some attendees gathered as early as 2 a.m. to secure a spot for the service.
Jonathan Kassman, a local event official, remarked, “You hear the word ‘faithful.’ At two o’clock in the morning, people were lining up outside the gate.” Papua New Guinea is predominantly Christian, with about a quarter of its 12 million people identifying as Catholic. The Pope’s visit is part of a broader 12-day Asia-Pacific tour, with stops in Vanimo, East Timor, and Singapore before his return to Rome.
Source: AFP
