On his final day of engagement in Papua New Guinea ends, Pope Francis left a lasting message that will forever be etched in the minds of all young people, and the Christian faithful in PNG, Solomon Islands and other parts of Oceania and the world. It is a message of prayer, to build and strengthen each other.
(The Holy Father during the Youth Encounter)
“I will pray for you. You must pray for me too,” were the Holy Father’s parting words after meeting with youths at Sir John Guise Stadium on Monday morning before leaving for Dili in Timor-Leste.
His encouragement for Peace, Love and Unity resonated through the nearly filled stadium captivating the minds of school aged children from Port Moresby, Central Province, and other parts of the country.
The Holy Father encouraged all young people to uphold love as it is the foundation of peace and harmony. With a deepest empathy for young people, Pope Francis asked everyone, “What is the language that unites us?”
Everyone shouted fervently in unison “LOVE!”
The Holy Father encouraged everyone to show Love to one and other, and lift each other up when they are down.
In his parting words, Pope Francis said, “Dear young people, I did not want to leave here without meeting you, because you are the hope for the future. And how do we build the future? What meaning do we want to give to our lives?...”
“You are the young people, you have to take care of others. Form friendship among yourselves. One thing I’m about to tell you may seem a bit strange, but it’s something that is important to the lives of young people, ‘closeness to your grandparents and to your elders’.
Let’s all say together, ‘Long live Grandparents’…. Thank you very much.”
After engaging with the crowd in somewhat a gracious conversation, the pontiff received gifts from youths, and blessed the throng of people present before departing for APEC Terminal, Jacksons International Airport, in preparation for his flight to Dili.
He was farewelled at the airport by Acting Chief of Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Commodore Philip Polewara along with other dignitaries including, Prime Minister James Marape, government officials, and dignitaries of the Catholic church.
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