Post Courier
September 9, 2024.
HIS Holiness Pope Francis’ appeal to Papua New Guinea to find common ground for a lasting political solution for the people of Bougainville is one of compromise that recognises the desires of the people.
And Regional Member for Bougainville, who is also Police Minister, Peter Tsiamalili Jr said
he was heartened and emotional by this.
Mr Tsiamalili welcomed Pope Francis on behalf of the people of Bougainville and was on
hand to welcome His Excellency, Pope Francis at Jackson’s International Airport in Port
Moresby last Friday.
The Regional Member also attended an address by Pope Francis in Port Moresby at APEC Haus on Saturday where the Holy Father spoke about the need for unity, hope and love in advancing the interests of the nation.
During his address, the Pope also appealed to the nation to find common ground for a lasting
political solution for the people of Bougainville.
“The Pope’s message is one of compromise that recognises the desires of the Bougainville
people. I was heartened by his words, and as Regional Member remain steadfast in my belief
that we must deliver on the will and expectations of the Bougainville people,” Mr Tsiamalili said.
Speaking shortly after the Pope’s arrival, the Regional Member said that it was an honor to
be able to greet the Pope and to pass on the well wishes of all Bougainvilleans.
“Pope Francis is an inspiration to many Bougainvilleans. In a time of increasing global
uncertainty, his presence offers a beacon of hope,” he said.
Mr Tsiamalili said that the Pope’s visit, the first papal visit since Saint John Paul II who
visited PNG in 1995, offered a message of hope and forgiveness.
“The fact that Pope Francis has chosen to visit Papua New Guinea reflects his mission to spread hope and forgiveness across the world,” he said.
“To hear Pope Francis speak on these issues was inspirational. As the leader of the Catholic
Church his words have deep meaning.”
Pope Francis also reinforced the role and importance of women in society, noting their
critical contribution to nation building,
“The Pope’s vision and affirmation of the role that women play in all societies is a timely
reminder for all of us in Bougainville and Papua New Guinea of the role that our mothers,
daughters, sisters and spouses play in promoting a stronger and more vibrant nation.”
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