Goodbye Pope Francis

Prime Minister James Marape today farewelled Pope Francis at Jackson’s International Airport.

Prior to the departure of Pope Francis, the Prime Minister attended a mass gathering of youth at the Sir John Guise Stadium with the Pope this morning, before bidding goodbye to the Head of the Vatican at 12midday.

The Pontiff is heading to Timor Leste to continue his world tour of spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ of love and peace.

Mr Marape said after the farewell that he was grateful for the papal visit which has come at the right time to remind the people of Papua New Guinea of basic societal values of living together as one people, as PNG heads into celebrating its 49th Independence anniversary.

“I want to express my greatest appreciation on behalf of the people of Papua New Guinea, especially the Catholic faithful, to Pope Francis for visiting our country.

“The timing could not have been better. I agreed to the timing at the start of planning earlier this year because I felt the Pope, with his global standing and spiritual leadership, would strengthen our people with his words of wisdom.

“The Pope’s message has resonated very well with our people and for our country. It was simple yet profound.

“The Pontiff’s core message of unity, tolerance, forgiveness, peace, love, care for one and other including lifting up our fallen brother or sister, and environmental stewardship is relevant, timely and very much needed today,” Marape said.

The prime minister added that Pope Francis message to youth today at the Sir John Guise stressed that that young people must be responsible for each other.

“They must pull each other up when one is down in their families, in their neighborhoods, in their communities. Not to harm each other but to be each other’s strength when needed.

“These are the same messages I have been driving in my own conversations with our people, and as I farewell him, I want to echo it and thank him again for it,” said PM Marape.

Prime Minister Marape also conveyed his appreciation to Papua New Guineans for putting on an exemplary reception for the Pope over the weekend.

He urged that this similar behavior be carried forward long-term so the country could experience more peace among its citizens.

In attendance also at the gathering today was Deputy Prime Minister, John Rosso and Minister for Community Development Religion and Youth, Jason Peter.