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

By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service

VANIMO, Papua New Guinea — Pope Francis traveled 600 miles to a remote outpost of Papua New Guinea to spend an afternoon with missionaries and their communities. The pope's journey on September 8 was facilitated by the Royal Australian Air Force aboard a C-130 Hercules plane. His first welcome came from bright orange floats in the Pacific Ocean spelling out "Welcome, Pope Francis."

Accompanying him were about a ton of medicine, clothing, toys, and other aid for distribution by the missionaries, according to the Vatican press office. A pool reporter noted that he also carried a large jar of lollipops, consistent with his habit of distributing candy to children both at the Vatican and during his travels.

Father Tomás Ravaioli, an Argentine Incarnate Word missionary in nearby Baro, remarked on the significance of the visit: “At his age, in his condition, this is an enormous sacrifice. But it shows that what he says, what he writes, he also demonstrates” through his presence and service.

The local Catholics received encouragement from Pope Francis' visit. The temperature was around 90 degrees Fahrenheit with 80% humidity as approximately 20,000 people gathered on a grass field near Holy Cross Cathedral. Many had crossed over from Indonesia to see the pope.

Vanimo is the capital of Papua New Guinea’s Sandaun Province and one of its poorest regions. It is situated on the northwestern coast and is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis.

Bishop Francis Meli welcomed Pope Francis by stating: “Your visit is a symbol of peace in a world marred by conflicts and wars.” He expressed hope that the visit would renew fervor among Catholics and Christians in Vanimo during challenging times.

Maria Joseph, a 12-year-old resident at Lujan Home for Girls since being abandoned at age two, greeted the pope: “Holy Father... Your visit has brought us much joy and hope.”

Pope Francis praised the natural beauty seen during his flight from Port Moresby to Vanimo: “One cannot help but be amazed by...the grandiose spectacle of nature bursting forth with life.” He urged unity and respect for each other and nature.

The pope emphasized Christian values in overcoming divisions and destructive behaviors such as violence and substance abuse: “Love is stronger than all this...its beauty can heal the world.”

Following his time in Vanimo, Pope Francis visited Holy Trinity Humanistic School in Baro for a private meeting with missionaries. Students welcomed him with a concert beginning with "Ode to Joy," delighted by new instruments delivered on his plane.