Pope Francis has left the country on board an Air Niugini Boeing 737, departing Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby at around 12:10pm for his next leg of his Holy World Tour.
The Holy Father’s last engagement of his visit to the country was speaking to the Catholic youths at the Sir John Guise stadium, where he first heard them talk about their struggles, their misfortunes and the challenges they face in life, be it in school, unemployment, or drug abuse and crime.
“I will not leave the country yet until I come see you,” Pope Francis announced to the crowd of over 20, 000 young people at the stadium.
The Pope took time to remind the youths that each and every one of them is special in the eyes of God and that God loves them, and that His plans for them can be achieved through faith in Jesus Christ, harmony with God and with their fellow men.
He also reminded the youths to support each other and seek guidance from helpful people as well in times of need, where proper guidance can lead them to a good life in God and Jesus Christ.
The Catholic youths who gathered at the stadium comprised of youth groups from the Catholic Diocese around the country, students from the various Catholic agency schools in the city and even representatives from neighbouring Solomon Islands.
The Pope left the stadium after 10am and headed over to the APEC Terminal at 7Mile where he was given a farewell by the people, including primary school students who lined up along the route which he took to terminal, cheering and waving the PNG and Vatican flags.
The PNG Government dignitaries, including Prime Minister James Marape also said their farewell to the Pope where a 21- gun salute was accorded to send him on his way.
The Pope’s next stop on his tour is Timo Leste