Papua New Guinea (PNG) is ready to welcome Pope Francis for his visit starting today Friday, 6 September 2024. Prime Minister (PM) James Marape expressed the nation's excitement and respect for the Pope’s visit, acknowledging his dual role as both the Head of the Vatican and the Head Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church. "Papua New Guinea is ready to welcome His Holiness, Pope Francis, to our country." "I want to appreciate him and the Vatican for choosing to visit us amidst his very busy schedule," said Marape. The PM urged the people of PNG to unite and show their best hospitality during the papal visit. He noted the importance of this visit, especially as the country is close to its 49th Independence anniversary and approaching the 50th anniversary next year. He also reflected on the significance of such visits from global religious leaders, mentioning the earlier visit of the Seventh Day Adventist Church leader earlier this year. Marape also highlighted the role Christianity plays in PNG's society, emphasising that Christian values are vital to nation-building and help unite the country despite its vast ethnic and cultural diversity. "As a nation, we cannot live outside our Christian virtues. The fundamental tenets of Christianity call for unity, peace, tolerance, forgiveness, love, care, and doing unto others what you want done unto you. These are deeply ingrained in the Christian worldview," he said. He added that Christianity is a unifying force in PNG, helping the people live in peace and harmony despite their differences. The Prime Minister praised the Catholic Church for its long history and contributions to Papua New Guinea, both before and after Independence. He acknowledged the Church’s efforts to unite tribal communities and support development in education, health, and other important sectors. "The Catholic Church arrived as early as 1845 in PNG, and taught our parochially tribalistic people to open up, to embrace people from other tribes and cultures, and helped unite our people into one. The Catholic Church assisted the government to bring in development, and today, continues to contribute to nation-building," said Marape. According to the Prime Minister's statement this afternoon, during the Pope’s visit, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso will oversee the official events from Friday evening until Saturday, while Prime Minister Marape observes the Sabbath. Ministers and Members of Parliament have also been assigned to attend the meetings with the Pope during his visit, according to the Prime Minister's statement. The official program states that the Pope will be arriving this evening at 6:50pm at the Jackson's International Airport in Port Moresby city. Christians and Catholic faithfuls, National Leaders and city residents are being advised to welcome the Pope by battery operated candle lights. Pope Francis is understood to be visiting PNG from Indonesia. Prime Minister Marape says he and his wife, Rachael, will meet the Pope on Sunday before he leads a church service in the capital city. The Prime Minister will officially farewell Pope Francis on Monday as he departs from Port Moresby.