Papua New Guinea is making preparations to receive Pope Francis on September 6, as announced by Prime Minister James Marape on August 29th after returning from Tonga. The Prime Minister revealed the papalvisit will include mass and worship programs, with leaders from the Pacific also invited to attend. “Our nation is preparing to receive him on the 6th of September." "If he does come after 6 o’clock or sunset, I will not be there at the airport. That’s with respect to my (SDA) Sabbath practice, but the Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso will be there to receive Pope Francis,” Marape said. The Prime Minister said the Pope’s visit is a significant event for PNG, which has a large Catholic population, with Marape already extending an invitation to other Pacific leaders to attend the nation’s 50th independence anniversary next year in 2025. Marape said in preparation for the visit, the government is coordinating with the Catholic Church and local authorities to ensure that security and logistics are well in place. The visit is expected to draw thousands of faithful from across the country and the Pacific region. "This is a momentous occasion for our nation," Marape said. "We are honored to welcome Pope Francis and look forward to his message of peace and unity." The visit will also serve as an opportunity for PNG to showcase its rich cultural heritage and its progress over the past 50 years. Marape expressed hope that the Pope’s visit will inspire the nation as it prepares for its upcoming independence celebrations. "This is a time for reflection and renewal," he said. "We are proud of our journey, and we look forward to the future with hope and determination."