Pope Francis met with the country’s authorities, representatives of civil society, and the diplomatic corps at the APEC Haus in the capital city of Papua New Guinea on the morning of September 7.

Remarked on the hundreds of islands and languages spoken in Papua New Guinea, the pope called it “an extraordinary cultural and human richness.” 

He continued, “I must confess that this greatly fascinates me, also on a spiritual level, because I imagine that this enormous variety is a challenge to the Holy Spirit, who creates harmony amid differences!”

Papua New Guinea is home to over 600 tribes who speak over 800 languages and the country is made up of over 600 islands.

Pope Francis expressed his hope to cease the tribal violence, “for it causes many victims, prevents people from living in peace and hinders development.”

He appealed to everyone to stop “the spiral of violence and instead resolutely embark on the path that leads to fruitful cooperation” for the common good.

The Pope encouraged them to pray that a prayerful disposition brings inner freedom that no one and nothing can stifle because it is within us, and is guarded by God who is love and wants His children to be free.

He insisted, “a people that prays has a future, drawing strength and hope from above.”

Governor General of Papua New Guinea, Sir Francis Bob Bofeng Dadae recognized the Catholic Church’s presence in helping in education, health, and spiritual care in their country from the mid-19th century to now.

The governor praised the Church’s advocacy for peace, justice, respect for human dignity, gender equality, and climate change action.

In the afternoon, the pope encouraged the Bishops, clergy, religious, seminarians, and catechists at the Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, “Carry on your mission as witnesses of courage, beauty and hope!”

• With inputs from Vatican News