Pope Francis Honors Catholic Communities on the Peripheries

Pope Francis celebrated Mass in Papua New Guinea, emphasizing the importance of remote Catholic communities. He brought humanitarian aid to the region and highlighted the significance of the peripheries in the Catholic Church. The visit is part of his Southeast Asia and Oceania tour.

Pope Francis celebrated Mass in Papua New Guinea on Sunday, honoring the Catholic Church's communities on the peripheries. The event took place in the capital, Port Moresby, where an estimated 35,000 people attended, featuring traditional dances and a homily emphasizing God's proximity to the remote faithful.

The Pope's visit also included a trip to Vanimo, a remote region on Papua New Guinea's northwest coast. There, he delivered one ton of humanitarian aid, including medicine, clothes, and toys for children, underscoring his commitment to marginalized communities. Francis was transported by an Australian military aircraft for this purpose.

This visit to Vanimo, a city of 11,000 and a known surfing destination, marked the highlight of his tour in Papua New Guinea and part of his broader Southeast Asia and Oceania tour. Francis's itinerary also includes East Timor and Singapore, where he will continue to emphasize the importance of distant Catholic communities.

(With inputs from agencies.)