Pope Urges End to Decades of Tribal Conflict in Papua New Guinea
Sep 7, 2024
During his visit to Papua New Guinea, Pope Francis called for an end to tribal violence and advocated for fair use of natural resources, while addressing women's rights.
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Pope Francis is visiting Papua New Guinea, asking for peace and fair treatment of the country’s resources. During his trip, he talked about the long-standing tribal violence in the region and also highlighted the need to protect women from violence.
His visit is part of a longer, 11-day journey to four different countries.
The Pope arrived in Papua New Guinea’s capital, Port Moresby, on Friday evening. It is his second stop after Indonesia. The next day, traditional dancers wearing grass skirts performed to welcome him. He spent the day meeting political leaders, church members, and local people, including children living on the streets.
Asking for an End to Tribal Fights
While speaking to the country’s leaders and diplomats, Pope Francis spoke about how special Papua New Guinea is because of its many different languages and cultures.
The country is home to about 800 different languages. He praised the diversity and said it can bring people together.
[A crowd member takes video of Pope Francis (Mark Baker/AP)]
However, the Pope also mentioned that this diversity has led to many conflicts. For years, groups have fought over land and other local issues, which has led to a lot of violence. The Pope asked the people of Papua New Guinea to find peace and to work together for the greater good.
“I hope the tribal violence will end,” he said. “It hurts many people, keeps them from living peacefully, and stops development.”
He encouraged people to put aside personal interests and focus on what would help everyone. If they work together, he said, they can improve schools, healthcare, and jobs for all.
Protecting Women from Harm
Pope Francis also talked about the serious problem of violence against women. In Papua New Guinea, many women suffer from physical and emotional abuse, often from their own partners. According to the United Nations, about 60% of women in the country have experienced violence. This is twice the global average.
[Pope Francis gives a speech in Port Moresby (Mark Baker/AP)]
The Governor General, Bob Bofeng Dadae, also talked about the need to protect women. He mentioned how common it is for women to be accused of sorcery, which often leads to them being hurt. Pope Francis echoed these concerns and praised the women of Papua New Guinea for their strength.
“Women carry the country forward,” he said. “They give life, build, and help the country grow. Let’s not forget the women who are leading human and spiritual development.”
Fair Use of Natural Resources
Papua New Guinea has a lot of valuable natural resources, such as gold, nickel, and natural gas. However, there are ongoing disagreements about who should benefit from these resources. Many local communities feel left out when it comes to the profits.
Pope Francis asked the country’s leaders to make sure everyone shares in the benefits from these resources. He also stressed the need to protect the environment while using these resources responsibly. The wealth from the land should help improve the lives of all the people in the country.
Pope Francis Continues His Journey
Later on Saturday, Pope Francis met with charity workers who care for street children. He also spent time with local priests and nuns at a Marian sanctuary. On Sunday, he planned to travel into the jungle to meet with missionaries from Argentina.
At 87 years old, Pope Francis is the second pope to visit Papua New Guinea. Pope John Paul II visited twice, in 1984 and 1995. During his visit in 1995, Pope John Paul II beatified Peter To Rot, a local Catholic man who died defending his faith during World War II.
Pope Francis’ visit to Papua New Guinea has brought messages of peace and unity. He encourages the people to work together, protect the environment, and respect women’s rights. His hope is that the country can find peace and grow stronger for everyone.
