CARDINAL TAGLE ARRIVES IN PNG FOR BOUGAINVILLE 125TH JUBILEE - WELCOMED WITH TRADITIONAL SINGSING

Port Moresby | Thursday, 14 August 2026:

His Eminence Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and Special Envoy of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, arrived in Papua New Guinea this morning for the 125th Anniversary Jubilee of the Catholic Diocese of Bougainville. Cardinal Tagle was officially received at 7:50 AM at the Jacksons International Airport VIP Lounge by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (CBC PNGSI).

His Eminence Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle

He was warmly welcomed by His Excellency Archbishop Maurizio Bravi, Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, and Rev. Fr. Lawrence Arockiaraj, General Secretary of CBC PNGSI, together with staff of the Conference. A highlight of the reception was a vibrant traditional welcome by the Singsing Group from Boregaine, Central Province, whose songs and dances expressed the joy of the faithful in PNG at the arrival of His Eminence.

His Eminence is in the country to join the celebrations of the 125th Anniversary Jubilee of the Catholic Diocese of Bougainville (1901-2026), marking 125 years since the arrival of the Catholic faith in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. His presence is a great blessing from the Vatican and a profound sign of the closeness of the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, to the people of Bougainville and to all Papua New Guineans.

From left to right: His Excellency Archbishop Maurizio Bravi, Apostolic Nuncio to PNG & Solomon Islands, His Eminence Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Arockiaraj, General Secretary for the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea & Solomon Islands

Cardinal Tagle serves as Pro-Prefect for the Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches of the Dicastery for Evangelization — the Vatican’s primary missionary department responsible for supporting young Churches in Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

The CBC PNGSI sincerely thanks the Singsing Group from Boregaine and all media personnel who covered the official arrival.

Next Event: The Jubilee Eucharistic Celebration will be held on Saturday, 15th and Sunday, 16th August 2026 in the Diocese of Bougainville, with Cardinal Tagle as Principal Celebrant, concelebrating with all bishops of CBC PNGSI and clergy.

We warmly welcome His Eminence to Papua New Guinea.

ENDS //

Issued by: CBC PNGSI Communications