Papua New Guinea, November 9, 2019 - Pope Francis reinforced the importance of serving marginalized communities within the Catholic Church during his first full day in Papua New Guinea. The pontiff, on a lengthy Asia tour, spoke to church leaders in the capital city, Port Moresby, stressing the need to prioritize the most vulnerable in society.

Addressing the church leaders, Pope Francis urged them to focus their efforts on the "peripheries of this country," highlighting the importance of reaching out to those in the most deprived urban areas. He emphasized the church's commitment to aiding individuals who have been morally and physically wounded due to prejudice and superstition.

Papua New Guinea has been recognized as one of the most dangerous places for women or girls in terms of sexual violence, according to human rights group, Human Rights Watch. Against this backdrop, Pope Francis paid a significant visit to the Caritas Technical Secondary School, which provides educational opportunities for underprivileged girls. The decision to visit the school highlights the pope's stance against the discrimination and violence faced by women in the country.

During his visit to the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians church, where the Catholic community undertakes charitable and educational work, Francis had the opportunity to listen to the remarks of two women engaged in church ministry. His remarks during the talk were unscripted, emphasizing the bishops and priests' need to adopt the "style of God," which entails closeness, tenderness, and compassion.

Expressing his gratitude to the crowd gathered outside the church, Pope Francis thanked them for their patience and offered them a blessing. Playfully, he requested their prayers, saying "pray for me, and not against me," eliciting smiles and laughter from those present.

Throughout his visit, Pope Francis was greeted with traditional welcome rituals by various groups from across Papua New Guinea, clad in vibrant tribal attire and engaging in lively singing and dancing. Despite his advanced age of 87, the pontiff appeared joyful and spirited throughout the day's events.

This visit to Papua New Guinea forms part of Pope Francis's 12-day tour of Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, the longest of his pontificate. The tour also includes visits to East Timor and Singapore, representing the pope's commitment to promoting dialogue, solidarity, and compassion within the region.

As Pope Francis concluded his first full day in Papua New Guinea, his unwavering message of focusing on the marginalized and vulnerable within society echoes throughout the Catholic Church, compelling leaders and followers to follow suit.