By SEPKOLIN WALNE
Papua New Guinea marked a historic milestone when Blessed Peter ToRot was officially canonised as the first saint on October 19, 2025, at 6:30pm PNG time (10:30am Rome time) in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
The Catholic Bishops Conference Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands hail this canonisation as a moment of national pride and spiritual significance.
Pope Leo XIV canonised seven men and women as saints in the Catholic Church, including Peter ToRot at St. Peter’s Square.
Pope emphasised the importance of praying to God with fervour and trust, especially during times of trial and tribulation.
“Today, we have before us seven witnesses, the new saints, who, by God’s grace, kept the lamp of faith burning,” Pope said.
The canonisation ceremony was attended by over 80 Catholic faithful from Papua New Guinea, including the ToRot family members.
Saint Peter opposed polygamy and was imprisoned during the Japanese occupation due to his beliefs. He was consistent in upholding the Catholic Church’s ban on polygamy.
The new Saint also resisted the Japanese-imposed practice of polygamy, which was enforced upon the local population.
His defiance resulted in his arrest, and he ultimately lost his life due to his commitment to his faith, he was poisoned and died after spending two months in prison.
Saint Peter was married, had three children, and died at the age of 33. He was from Rakunai village in East New Britain Province.
This canonisation marks a defining moment for the church in PNG and the Pacific, offering the faithful an example of holiness and courage that transcends borders and inspires Christians worldwide.