A few more hours before Pope Francis sets foot in Papua New Guinea and schools, churches and communities are truly gearing up to welcome him to the country.
35,000 people throughout the country have been confirmed to attend after registering, especially during the main event on Sunday the 8th of September 2024.
His Holiness will arrive tonight at 7PM at the Jackson’s International airport where he will begin his visit on Saturday (tomorrow), 7th of September, starting with the Governor General’s residence, then followed by the APEC Haus then to Caritas Technical Secondary school and finally to Don Bosco Technical Institute.
On Sunday the 8th of September is when the main itself will take place and that is to celebrate the Eucharistic mass with him at Sir John Guise stadium before leaving for Vanimo and returning to Port Moresby the same day.
On his final day in the country, which is the 9th of September, he will then meet with just the youths at the same stadium where a youth festival will take place.
This will see the youths from all walks of life coming to meet the Pope and share with him their struggles and hopes for the future.
18, 000 youths have registered to attend.
For these areas that the Pope has been scheduled to attend, will see parts of the roads nearby will remain closed.
According to the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) advisory notice, parts of Morea-Tobo Road leading to the Jacksons International and the Kumul Fly will be partially or fully closed from 5PM to 9PM when he arrives tonight and when he departs on Monday, the 9th of September from 11AM to 2PM.
For Saturday, 7th of September, Igau and Bava street will remain closed from 3PM to 7PM due to Pope Francis’ visit to Caritas School and Don Bosco Technical Institute.
On the following day, which is the main event itself, expected closure of roads leading to and around the Sir John Guise stadium precinct from 12AM to 12PM and finally on Monday the 9th, is from 4AM to 12PM when the Pope visits the youths at the same stadium.
According to Papal Visit Chairperson, His Lordship Bishop Rozario Menezes SMM, there will be Candlelight Welcome when he arrives; however, must not obstruct the motorcade but stand beyond on the footpath and must follow protocols.
The Candlelight Welcome for the motorcade route will take place starting outside APEC Terminal, International Airport roundabout, End of Kumul Fly Over, Parliament Haus roundabout, Somare Foundation roundabout, Gordon Police Barracks roundabout, Courts roundabout, Five Mile Roundabout, Four Mile roundabout and Murray Barracks roundabout.
These areas mentioned are where each Catholic parish will be stationed to stand and welcome him during the motorcade.