The Governor General, Sir Bob Dadae, officially welcomed Pope Francis this morning at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby, acknowledging what the Catholic church has done in contributing to Papua New Guinea's (PNG’s) development. Sir Dadae said this support by the catholic church is through the provision education, health care, social development, through to disaster and humanitarian assistance that the church has continued to deliver to the people. “The Catholic church is another key development partner of the Government in services delivery in the country. Our government recognises the strong contributions of the church,” said the Sir Bob Dadae. “We appreciate the global leadership and advocacy that the Vatican continues to provide on a global humanitarian issues like war, gender issues, climate change, health and education.” The Governor General also acknowledged the work put in by the Catholic church in addressing gender issues, the rights of women, advocating against violence against women and violence in general. “We also recognise the spiritual and physical care that the church continues to give to those that are being abused, neglected or rejected by families and communities, and human rights abuse in the country.” There are cases of violence here too in PNG and in your presence and in your presence, we want to remind our citizens to observe the moral values and ethical principles that defines us as Christian and recommit to love and peaceful existence in our society. Touching on climate change, he extended his appreciation the work of the Catholic mission and those of the Christian faith who continue to serve those who are affected by climate change in PNG and across the pacific. ‘We seek your prayers and support for global action and advocation on climate change.” The Governor General thanked the head of the Catholic church for this big support that the Catholic church continues to give and assured his Holiness that the national government will continue to support the church and work together with the church to serve the people of PNG. Pope Francis in his keynote address, which was translated speech from Latin to English, said that he was pleased to visit PNG and appreciated the warm welcome from the people and the government. He also expressed his fascination of PNG, saying its a country of many cultures, tribes and resources. “These environmental and cultural treasures represent at the same time a great responsibility, because they require everyone, civil authorities and all citizens, to promote initiatives that develop natural and human resources in a sustainable and equitable manner. A manner that improves the wellbeing of all, excluding nobody, through concrete programmes, international cooperation, mutual respect and agreements beneficial to all parties,” Pope Francis said. “In your homeland, an archipelago with hundreds of islands, more than eight hundred languages are spoken, corresponding to just as many ethnic groups." “This points to an extraordinary cultural richness. I must confess that this greatly fascinates me, also on a spiritual level, because I imagine that this enormous variety is a challenge to the Holy Spirit, who creates harmony amid differences.” “Your country, besides consisting of islands and languages, is also rich in natural resources. These goods are destined by God for the entire community.” Touching on violence, Pope Francis hopes and pray for a peaceful end to all forms of violence in the country, touching a little bit on Bougainville as well. “It is my particular hope that tribal violence will come to an end, for it causes many victims, prevents people from living in peace and hinders development.” “I appeal, therefore, to everyone’s sense of responsibility to stop the spiral of violence and instead resolutely embark on the path that leads to fruitful cooperation for the benefit of all the people of the country.” “Indeed, the aforementioned attitudes can create the conditions in which the question of the status of Bougainville Island can also find a definitive solution while avoiding the rekindling of ancient tensions,” said the Pope. Pope Francis also assured that the Catholic church will always work in partnership with the state to bring about service, help develop the physical and spiritual well-being of the people of PNG. Meantime, the Pope will be visiting Caritas Technical Secondary School and Don Bosco Technical Institute at East Boroko to start off his afternoon visits.