Pope Francis' Historic Visit to Remote Papua New Guinea

Pope Francis visited Papua New Guinea's remote Vanimo township, delivering medical supplies and aid. Traveling 1,000 km by plane, he arrived with essentials to support 12,000 locals. This visit is part of his 12-day tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania, reinforcing his commitment to global outreach and missionary support.

Pope Francis ventured deep into the jungle of Papua New Guinea's southwestern Pacific islands on Sunday, visiting remote Catholic communities to deliver essential medical supplies and aid.

Traveling 1,000 km in a Royal Australian Air Force C-130 cargo aircraft, the 87-year-old pope arrived in Vanimo township, a settlement of 12,000 people with limited basic utilities. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that Francis brought hundreds of kilograms of medicines, clothing, toys, and musical instruments for the local population.

In Vanimo, Francis addressed a crowd of 20,000, praising the beauty of both the land and the community. His visit is part of an extensive 12-day, four-country tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania. The visit aims to emphasize missionary support as well as highlight issues such as violence and exploitation in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)