With two more days to go, His Holiness, Pope Francis will be travelling to Papua New Guinea where he will be visiting Port Moresby and Vanimo in West Sepik. The Pope who will be residing in the country for three days has the Catholic churches, schools and communities preparing for his visit before returning to the Vatican City in Rome, Italy. Archbishop of Port Moresby, His Eminence, Sir John Cardinal Ribat, shared sentiments of Pope Francis’ visit as coming to the country to help strengthen our unity. As the Vicar of Christ and the Head of the Catholic Church, he said that Pope Francis also comes as a blessing to help us also with carrying on in our spiritual lives and carrying out his work just like St Peter did in the bible. “Jesus himself told Peter, ‘And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church.’ Jesus gave the responsibility to Peter and that responsibility is very much alike with Pope Francis today.” “We are welcoming him to our nation, and I'd like to stress here that he comes as a person who is not in good health.” “Despite travelling in a wheelchair, he still decided to come and with a lot of issues and problems we are facing in the country, he still agreed to come.” His Eminence further stated that in the midst of all that the people are going through in the country and the issues and problems that the country is facing, is really a blessing for the people and in some way, uniting everyone as well as bringing peace to those who need it. The Pope’s visit also includes addressing the leaders of the nation as well as those Pacific leaders who will be attending this historical event as the Vicar of Christ and to bring a sense of unity among the leaders. “We unite with him in the great work that his leading us in continuing the work to our nation. With this, then helps to deepen our faith.” In addition, other churches will also be part of the visit, as well as other denominations and religions who are more than welcome to attend. Furthermore, Archbishop Ribat also acknowledged the support of the government in ensuring that this visit is planned and carried out well. The Pope sets foot in the country on Friday, 6th of September and will depart for the Vatican City in Rome, Italy on the 9th of September 2024.