Faithfuls converge in Port Moresby

The highly anticipated visit by the head of the Catholic Church to PNG shores on Friday, is attracting hundreds from the various provincial dioceses.

Today, Catholic faithfuls from Enga, West New Britain, Western and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville ascended into Port Moresby.

It's a pilgrimage by these catholic faithfuls from the provinces, most of whom have to travel via plane and some on foot to get into Port Moresby to witness this historic spiritual visit.

Some coming from remote places such as Menyamya.

Each diocese has been given 100 spaces and some made their own way while others received support from their local MPs.

NBC News spoke to Bitokara Parish priest Fr. Evance AMANI from the Kimbe Diocese who says 60 of them came to be a part of this historic visit:

"So we are happy to be part of those who came to witness the coming of Pope Francis in PNG. And also, we are so grateful because partly for our parish, Bitokara, this year we are celebrating 100 years of faith.

"Pope Francis, who is coming to strengthen our faith, but also to be united with his other colleagues in other nations like now PNG", Fr Emance Avani said

Josepha Recks from the Wabag Diocese is excited to be a part of this once in a lifetime visit:

"Very, very excited because this might be a lifetime, and we might not see him. That makes this visit significant for us Faithfuls. The first time was in 1984, and this is the second Pope's visit."

Catholics accommodated at Port Moresby parishes

The catholic faithful from the provinces are being accommodated at the various dioceses in Port Moresby.

Those from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville are based at the Sacred Heart Hohola parish while those from Kiunga are being housed at the St. Peter Chanel parish at Erima.

NBC News spoke to parishioner from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville's Buin deanery, Therese Takaku and Our Lady of Star Mountain Parish in Kiunga, Western Province Brendan Apkas about the significance of their participation in this historic papal visit:

We are excited to be here to see the Pope, it is our first time to be part of such a pilgrim", Therese Takaku said

"We want to take part and who our faith, to strengthen our faith", Brendan Apkas said.

More faithful's are expected to arrive over the coming days in anticipation of the Pope's visit on Friday.