Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today farewelled Pope Francis off at Jackson’s International Airport and in so doing, echoed the Pontiff’s call for more love, peace and unity in Papua New Guinea.

The Prime Minister attended a mass gathering of youth at the Sir John Guise Stadium with the Pope in the morning, and saw the Head of Vatican off at the airport at about 12pm where the Pontiff is heading to Timor Leste to continue his world tour of spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ of love and peace. In attendance also at the gathering today was Deputy Prime Minister Hon. John Rosso, and Minister for Community Development Religion and Youth, Hon. Jason Peter.

Prime Minister Marape said after the farewell that he was grateful for the papal visit which has come at the right time to remind the people of Papua New Guinea of basic societal values of living together as one people, as PNG heads into celebrating its 49 Independence anniversary.

He said, “I want to express my greatest appreciation on behalf of the people of Papua New Guinea, especially the Catholic faithful, to Pope Francis for visiting our country.

“The timing could not have been better. I agreed to the timing at the start of planning earlier this year because I felt the Pope, with his global standing and spiritual leadership, would strengthen our people with his words of wisdom and help to prepare us for our 16 September Independence anniversary.

“The Pope’s message has resonated very well with our people and for our country. It was simple yet profound.

“The Pontiff’s core message of unity, tolerance, forgiveness, peace, love, care for one and other including lifting up our fallen brother or sister, and environmental stewardship is relevant, timely and very much needed today. “In his message to the youth today at the stadium, Pope Francis stressed this message and highlighted that young people must be responsible for each other, they must pull each other up when one is down – in their families, in their neigbourhoods, in their communities. Not to harm each other but to be each other’s strength when needed.

“These are the same message I have been driving in my own conversations with our people, and as I farewell him, I want to echo it and thank him again for it,” said PM Marape.

Prime Minister Marape also conveyed his appreciation to Papua New Guineans for putting on an exemplary reception for the Pope over the weekend with peace and quiet attitude of self-reflection, and no trouble.

He urged that this similar behaviour be carried forward long-term so the country could experience more peace among its citizens.

“I want to ask our people, as I have continuously done so in the past. Living in peace with each other is the easiest contribution of service our people can render to God and to our country – to live with each other in peace, harmony and respect. It is free and comes at no cost to you.”

Prime Minister Marape reminded the youth of work currently happening under this government to assist better their lives, such as the expansion in distance and opening learning education, the expansion in universities and college spaces, new upcoming scholarships for young people in various programs, and the focus on SME to encourage youth to get into self-employment and also become job creators themselves.

“These are work we have already started. We do not expect things to change overnight but I assure our young people that we have started. I want to ask our people to let politicians play their politics, and let us support our police by maintaining our Law & Order in the country.

“I encourage hard work, ethics in both our living and working lives, and call for healing within us and forgiveness toward each other,” said PM Marape.

The Prime Minister said the theme of this year’s Independence anniversary will reflect the papal visit and message. It will centre on Reconciliation, National Unity, and Respect of the Rule of Law.

“As the Pope leaves us and we head over the week into our 49th anniversary, our nation must ponder on the Pontiff’s message of unity, peace and love. We must forgive and reconcile – within our families, tribes because of many tribal fights, and Bougainville because of its longstanding issue,” said PM Marape.