Monday 9 September, 2024
Pope Francis departed Papua New Guinea on Monday, 9 September 2024, aboard a Boeing 737 at 12:12 PM, continuing his longest overseas trip aimed at promoting peace, understanding, and the Catholic faith in the region.
His next stops will be East Timor and Singapore before returning to Rome on 13 September.
The farewell at the airport was described as heartfelt, as the Pope, despite his ongoing struggle with sciatica—a chronic nerve condition causing pain in his back, hip, and leg—stood alongside Prime Minister James Marape during both nations’ national anthems, by the royal guard of honor.
His determination to show respect touched many who witnessed the moment at Jacksons International Airport.
