Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

In Papua New Guinea, the term "wantok" signifies people who share a language and culture, and that is what Christians should be, Pope Francis said, but only in the sense of sharing the language and culture of love.

Before departing Papua New Guinea on September 9, Pope Francis returned to Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby. The previous day, he had celebrated Mass there. His second visit aimed to engage with an estimated 10,000 young people and address their concerns.

Approximately 60% of Papua New Guinea’s population is under the age of 25. During the event, Ryan Vulum spoke about the harm caused to children when parents separate while they are still young. Bernadette Turmoni addressed an even more severe issue: violence and abuse within families.

"We hear about it daily in the news and crime reports," she told the pope. "Abuse destroys the lives of young men and women. Those who have suffered from it feel unloved and disrespected. They lose hope and may commit suicide or leave their families."

Bishop John Bosco Auram of Kimbe, serving as the bishops’ conference delegate for youth, informed Pope Francis that "Our young people face deep-seated challenges such as living Christian values within the family and society, limited opportunities for growth and development, [and] the strong influence of modern life." He added that these frustrations stem from unfulfilled expectations from society, government, and even the church.

However, Bishop Auram noted that "the greatest challenge is for them 'to discover Christ within and amidst these realities,'" making the pope’s visit a celebration of hope.

Pope Francis frequently paused his prepared remarks to ask questions directly to the young attendees, urging them to shout their replies louder each time by saying, “I don’t hear you!” His questions included: Do you want harmony or confusion? How many languages do people in Papua New Guinea speak? Can a young person make mistakes?

While deviating slightly from his prepared text, Pope Francis emphasized that young people need each other; they need their grandparents; they need Jesus. He stressed learning a common language —the language of love— because words can either unite or divide people or even become weapons that destroy families.

"Break down divisions; do not close yourselves within your own group," he advised. Instead, he encouraged them to "go out to meet others and form friendships… dream together, walk together [and] build together."

Addressing them directly as "Dear young people," he expressed his hope that they would learn this language of love to transform their country since love fosters change and opens paths to future growth.

He concluded by acknowledging human fallibility: "Everyone fails at something sometime," but emphasized that “What is important is to get back up” and help others do likewise when they fall.