The Pope’s visit to the country marked a significant time, not only for the Catholic faithful, but for all Christians a like and for the nation as whole, especially at a time when things are not going so great. That was the sentiment expressed by the Governor for West New Britain (WNB), Sasindran Muthuvel, when PNG HAUSBUNG spoke with him after Pope Francis’s visit to APEC Haus in Port Moresby city on Saturday 8th September to meet with Pacific Island dignitaries who came to also meet the Pope. The good governor said his people also came along to the capital city to see the Pope and attend the Holy Mass, over 160 Catholics from the province came on what he described a pilgrimage to see His Holiness despite challenging economic times where the costs of goods and services are too high. He said this reflects the people’s faith in God that good times will come and that peace, harmony and good will amongst people will prevail in challenging times, something which the Pope, a representative and servant of the Almighty on earth, embodies in his visit and message to people of Papua New Guinea (PNG). “We are truly blessed and honored to see Pope’s visit in Papua New Guinea,” said the governor. He said Pope Francis gave very good messages for the nation, especially about the importance of respecting women especially at a time when the country is faced with challenges in addressing violence against women and violence in general, adding that the Pope’s message of peace and prayer should also be absorbed and deeply reflected on by all Christians. The governor was also pleased to hear the Pope’s message on the Bougainville issue among other challenges faced in the country, where the Pope urged the government to bring a peaceful and permanent solution to the issue of Bougainville’s full independence. “We are truly blessed to receive the Pope, and I strongly believe that his visit to the country will bring a good blessing to our country, Papua New Guinea.”