PNG youth gather for ‘one-in-a-million’ meeting with Pope Francis

A unique blend of sound and colour welcomed Pope Francis to Sir John Guise Stadium for his meeting with the youth of Papua New Guinea on Monday morning, 9 September.

Young men and women outfitted in traditional attire from each of the country’s 22 provinces proudly represented their people.

Particularly striking was the large clay head of the Asaro Mudman from Goroka, his entire body covered in grayish white mud, in sharp contrast with the others’ colourful attire.

One group regaled the Pope with a traditional Mekeo dance, their colourful feathers reaching up to the sky.

Another, more modern dance was performed by the Islands of Hope group. They used music to depict the struggles, hopes and dreams of the youth of Papua New Guinea.

Also present at the event were student groups from various schools in Port Moresby, who expressed their excitement at being able to see Pope Francis. “He’s a big man to us, and he’s a holy person as well,” said Camilla, who was with a group from Holy Trinity Parish.

Schoolmates Jedediah and Solomon from Saint Charles Lwanga Secondary also shared their impressions of the lively event.

Jedediah, an aspiring civil engineer, said he especially enjoyed seeing “the people and the singing.”

Solomon, whose dream is to be a pilot, said, “It feels great, overwhelming, to see a world leader figure like [the Pope] for the first time. It’s a one-in-a-million chance. I would say it’s a memory to remember.”

Another student, from Jubilee Catholic Secondary School, echoed that sentiment, appreciating the significance of the occasion. “As Catholic students, we need to engage ourselves in programmes like this and get involved more with our Church.”

But it wasn’t just Catholics who were overjoyed to be at this historic event. Leanne, a student at Caritas Technical Secondary School, said that although she’s not Catholic, she was happy to be able to share this moment with her schoolmates. “We get to sing and dance with others. It’s just fun, having this combined thing together with everyone else… I love it.”

The feeling was mutual, as Pope Francis affirmed in his address to the youth — the last one of this second leg of his Apostolic Journey in Asia and Oceania. “I did not want to leave here without meeting you, because you are the hope for the future.”

He encouraged them to “learn the language of love and thus transform [their] country,” and he explained that “love brings about changes, makes [one] grow and opens paths to the future.”

By Claudia Torres
Port Moresby