PNG catholic faithfuls’ anticipate pope visit

Papua New Guinea, especially the Catholic church and faithfuls’ are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Holy Father, Pope Francis to its shores in September.

With just 13 days remaining before Pope’s historic visit, preparations have ramped up with massive cleanup done in the Nation's capital to welcome the 'Holy Father' of Catholic.

High on the agenda for the millions of the followers is the canonization of Blessed Peter Torot as a first ever saint for the country.

General Coordinator of Papal Visit Fr. Lawrence Arockiaraj told NBC Television’s Current Affairs Program that top catholic hierarchy will arrive in Port Moresby on Sept 6.

The catholic Holy Father will be meeting with governor general Sir Bob Dadae on Sept 7 prior to convening with Prime Minister James Marape and the national leaders at Apec House.

The head of catholic church will then attend a program of the street children with the Caritas Sisters before concluding his day for a convention with the bishops, priests and religious leaders at the Don Bosco Technical Institute.

On Sunday (Sept 8), Pope will conduct the Holy Mass at the Sir John Guise Stadium in the morning and will travel to West Sepik afterwards.

He is expected to meet his fellow Argentinians in Vanimo who work as missionaries, apart from the Catholic followers. Pope will return to Port Moresby in the evening in preparation for departure on Monday.

But before leaving the shores of PNG, the head sovereign of the Vatican City State will host a final meeting with youths at Sir John Guise Stadium and will around midday for Dili, Timor Leste.