Pope Leo XIV Canonises Peter To Rot: Papua New Guinea’s First Native Saint

VATICAN CITY — Sunday, 19 October 2025 – In a landmark moment for the Church in Oceania and beyond, Peter To Rot (1912‑1945) of Papua New Guinea has been formally canonised by Pope Leo XIV at a Mass in St. Peter’s Square, becoming the first native saint of Papua New Guinea. (vaticannews.va)

A life of faith, service, and witness

Born on 5 March 1912 in Rakunai village, East New Britain Island (then part of the Territory of New Guinea), Peter To Rot was a catechist, family man, and lay leader in his community. His parents were among the first local converts to Catholicism in the region. (vaticannews.va)

During the Japanese occupation of Papua New Guinea in World War II, missionaries were imprisoned or expelled, but To Rot continued his evangelising work secretly: preparing couples for marriage, teaching children, visiting the sick, and distributing Holy Communion to isolated communities. (vaticannews.va)

A particularly courageous aspect of his ministry was his public opposition to the revival of polygamy during the occupation — a traditional practice that the Japanese authorities sought to sanction in an effort to gain favour locally. His defence of Christian marriage led to his arrest and, in July 1945, he died in prison, reportedly poisoned. (vaticannews.va)

From beatification to sainthood

Peter To Rot was beatified on 17 January 1995 by Pope John Paul II. (vaticannews.va) On 31 March 2025, Pope Francis approved the decree for his canonisation. (vaticannews.va) The formal date for canonisation — 19 October 2025 — was set by Pope Leo XIV at his first Ordinary Public Consistory. (fides.org)

Significance for Papua New Guinea and beyond

Church leaders in Papua New Guinea mark the event as a milestone. Archbishop Rochus Tatamai of Rabaul described Peter To Rot’s canonisation as “a blessing for the whole country… reminding us that society itself depends on the strength of families”. (vaticannews.va)

The path of this humble layman — husband, father of three, catechist — underscores a key message of the Church: holiness is attainable in ordinary life, not only in religious or clerical states. As Fr Tomas Ravaioli, vice‑postulator for the cause, explained: “He shows young people that holiness is possible in family, in school and daily struggles.” (vaticannews.va)

The canonisation event

At the ceremony in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV pronounced the act of canonisation, inscribing Peter To Rot’s name in the Book of Saints. The celebration drew pilgrims from Papua New Guinea, the wider Pacific region, and the global Church, many of whom followed via livestream.

Looking ahead: legacy and devotion

For Papua New Guinea, the canonization inaugurates a new chapter in the country's national Christian heritage. The faithful are preparing local celebrations in East New Britain, including the celebration on December 11-14.

His defense of marriage and fidelity, his catechetical zeal in adverse conditions, and his martyrdom reinforce the universal call to sanctity in every state of life. As one commentator put it: “He is the kind of saint the Church needs today.” (vaticannews.va)

About Saint Peter To Rot

Born: 5 March 1912, Rakunai, East New Britain, Papua New Guinea

Died: July 1945, East New Britain (in detention)

Beatified: 17 January 1995 (Pope John Paul II)

Canonised: 19 October 2025 (Pope Leo XIV)

Designation: First native saint of Papua New Guinea

Patron themes: Catechists, married lay persons, defence of Christian marriage, people of Papua New Guinea

This moment not only honours a remarkable man of faith but also invites Catholics worldwide — and especially in the Pacific — to recognise the universal nature of the Church’s mission: that sanctity is possible in every culture, every station of life, and amid the most challenging circumstances.