GOVERNMENT WELL PREPARED TO HOST A SUCCESSFUL PAPAL VISIT

By Vonu LIBITINO

THE National Government, through the Minister for Foreign Affairs is enthusiastic about pulling off a successful Papal’s Visit, that is just seven days away from today.

Minister Justin Tkatchenko expressed this in a press conference today, held at his Ministry Officer at the Central Government Building, where he provided a quick update and insights, into the preparations of Pope Francis’s historical visit to PNG & Vanimo.

He said meetings with the Vatican Advance Team, who are already on ground, as well as the co-agencies and the events teams over the last 12 months have all gone “very, very well.”

Minister Tkatchenko said the preparations have been challenging however they have a fantastic team of dedicated Papua New Guineans, in all different sectors, that are working tirelessly to ensure that the Papal Visit is a success especially for the faithful and the 1000s Catholics that live in PNG and all the other denominations and religions in the country as well.

“This trip is unprecedented because for the first time ever, the Pope will be going to Vanimo, in West Sepik… And we are looking forward to that trip.

“I greatly thank as well, the Australian Government.

“They have come on to support the transportation and aircraft for the Pope, from Port Moresby to Vanimo and back,” he said.

He said they expect to have 1000s of people coming to the two masses at the Sir John Guise Stadium.

Included in the Papal Visit, will be a special audience that Pope Francis will have with PNG’s Prime Minister James Marape at the Catholic Diocese, Korobosea.

“On Saturday morning (Saturday 7th September, 2024), there will be an address by his Holiness Pope France with the Governor General at the APEC Haus.

“That address will be talking about different things, happening here and around the world and we look forward to that address by the Pope.

“Pope Francis is the Head of State and will be accorded all protocol at the highest order.

“And so, the Pope will be receiving a 21 Gun Salute, he will be received by our Ceremonial Guard and Military at the Airport, and he will be accorded everything that a state visit requires,” Tkatchenko added.