His Eminence John Cardinal Ribat MSC returns to Papua New Guinea
- Jessica Oata and Ahisha Mangot
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Port Moresby: After taking part in the Pontifical Requiem Mass of His Holiness Pope Francis and the historical Conclave, His Eminence John Cardinal Ribat MSC has arrived in Port Moresby.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands held a small but significant ceremony to welcome His Eminence back into the country on Tuesday May 27, 2025.
The ceremony started at the Jacksons International Terminal where the Catholic Bishops Conference General Secretary Fr Lawrence Arockiaraj, Vicar General for Port Moresby Archdiocese Fr Justin Nenat SVD, Parish Priest of St Martin de Porres Fr Martin Widyatmoko SMM and representatives from St Joseph’s International Catholic College Mr George Swammy and Mr Victor Piniau greeted the Cardinal before convoying to the Catholic Bishops Conference Headquarters.
The Cardinal was greeted by emotional staff of CBC and was given a traditional welcome by the Yaleba cultural group from Milne Bay Province before addressing the media.
Speaking to the media and Church members gathered at the CBC, Sir Ribat shared his heartfelt message of thanks:
“I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, especially the Catholic faithful, for your prayers and spiritual support during this sacred time for the Universal Church”
He expressed joyful sentiments for having the privilege of representing not only the Catholic Church of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, but the Oceania region as a whole at the funeral of Pope Francis.
“It was a deeply moving celebration of a life lived in humble service to God and humanity. Together with my brother Cardinals, I entered the Conclave in a time of profound prayer, silence, and discernment. I carried with me the faith, hopes, and voices of our people. Your prayers strengthened me throughout the process and reminded me of our unity in Christ”.
Cardinal Ribat concluded his address to the media saying that he was humbled to have been part of the first audience with the newly elected Pope Leo XIV and conveyed to him the love, support and prayers of the faithful from the local church of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
“I assured His Holiness that our Church stands in communion with him as he begins this new chapter of leadership. I also thank the media for their presence and coverage throughout these historic events. Your work has allowed our people to share in these important moments of the Church, even from afar. May we continue to walk together in faith, guided by the Holy Spirit and united in our mission of love and service.”
His return is a proud moment for the local Church, as he brought the voices and prayers of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands to the heart of the global Catholic community.
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