Monday 10 September, 2024
Pope Francis concludes his 45th Papal tour to Papua New Guinea by meeting with the young people of the country on 9th September 2024.
The Sir John Guise stadium, in Port Moresby once again became filled with young people and students from across the city and country attending Catholic run schools.
Prime Minister James Marape and Deputy Prime Minister John Russo also attended the event along with other dignitaries and visiting church officials.
The children dressed in their bright uniforms, and others in their colorful traditional attires had prepared well to receive His Holiness, for one last time before he leaves the shores of PNG for Timor Lese and Malaysia on the final leg of his Oceania and South East Asia tour.
Pope Francis who was ushered in by his tight security detail was given a rousing welcome by cheering young people waving their flags and chants of welcome upon seeing the Pontiff in person.
Catholic youth leaders gave inspiring accounts of life as young people embracing the Catholic faith in PNG, by showing the Pope Francis through performance of songs and a beautiful traditional dance by the youth and students themselves.
Pope Francis in his address to the young people emphasized the importance of developing relationship with God while being young.
A staunch advocate for young people around the world his final meeting with the young people show how important it is for the Church to build and strengthen its relationship with the younger generation and future leaders of the world.
Before taking his leave to the Jackson’s International airport, he prayed for blessing of hope, peace and unity to prevail in the lives of young people in PNG while urging them to develop a life of serving others and continue to build a closer relationship with God.
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