THE countdown to the arrival of Pope Francis in Papua New Guinea is just two weeks away, with the Catholic Bishop Conference and its members eagerly finalizing preparations to host their great leader.
Pope Francis is expected to arrive on the 6th of September at Jacksons International Airport and will spend three days in the nation. His visit will be accompanied by a delegation of 80 media personnel, who will be staying at the Hilton Hotel, Port Moresby.
According to the Papal Visit General Coordinator, Fr. Lawrence Arockiaraj, Pope Francis is scheduled to meet with Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae on Saturday before visiting priests, bishops, other religious leaders, and several Catholic mission schools in Port Moresby.
Fr. Arockiaraj outlined that a combined sacrament mass is set to take place at the Sir John Guise Outdoor Stadium, where Pope Francis will officiate the mass. It is expected to draw a crowd of 25,000 Catholic members.
On Sunday, following the combined service at the stadium, Pope Francis will travel to Vanimo, where he will engage in community service with the local people.
After returning from Vanimo on Sunday afternoon, Pope Francis is scheduled to meet with the youth at the Sir John Guise Stadium on Monday before departing for East Timor.
“We are working together with the government, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of ICT, along with all other relevant authorities, to ensure a successful visit,” Fr. Arockiaraj explained.
He further highlighted that all Archdioceses are in close communication with the Catholic Conference and the Port Moresby Archdiocese, which is hosting the Papal visit.
Each rural Archdiocese has been assigned a coordinator who is regularly updating Fr. Arockiaraj, the Papal Visit General Coordinator.
“We have ongoing meetings with the government, particularly with Hon. Justin Tkatchenko, and are maintaining close contact with the team from Vanimo in preparation for the Papal visit,” he added.
