() – Pope Francis stressed the importance of the Catholic Church serving marginalized communities as he concluded his first full day in Papua New Guinea on Saturday as part of a lengthy tour of Asia.
Addressing church leaders in the capital, Port Moresby, he told them to focus on the “peripheries of this country” and those in the most deprived urban areas.
She insisted that the church was committed to helping those who are hurt “morally and physically” because of “prejudices and superstitions.” According to the human rights group Human Rights Watch, Papua New Guinea is one of the most dangerous places in the world for women and girls, due to high rates of sexual violence.
Francis gave his speech at the church of the Sanctuary of Mary Help of Christians, where the Catholic community carries out various charitable and educational works.
She had previously visited the Caritas Technical Secondary School, a school for disadvantaged girls, and the “street pastoral” and “Callan” services, which work with the poorest and people with disabilities.
His decision to visit the school, which offers educational opportunities to girls, was significant given the discrimination and violence faced by women in Papua New Guinea. At the shrine, Francis also heard comments from two women involved in church ministry.
The pope also spoke off the cuff during his speech, insisting twice that Papua New Guinean bishops and priests must follow “God’s style,” which is “closeness, tenderness and compassion.”
At the end, he greeted the crowd outside the church and, speaking in English, thanked them for their patience before offering them a blessing. He also joked with them, saying, “Pray for me, not against me.”
Francis appeared to be in good spirits and wherever he went he was traditionally greeted by groups from all over Papua New Guinea wearing colourful tribal costumes, singing and dancing.
The 87-year-old Francis is currently on the longest trip of his pontificate: a marathon 12-day visit to four countries in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, also taking in East Timor and Singapore.
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