Pope Francis celebrated Mass in Papua New Guinea before embarking on a journey to a remote part of the country with a ton of humanitarian aid for missionaries and the faithful. Around 35,000 people gathered at a stadium in the capital, Port Moresby, for the morning Mass, which commenced with traditional dancers and priests in green vestments processing to the altar. In his sermon, Francis emphasized that God is close to the people of Papua New Guinea, despite any feelings of distance from their faith or the church.

During his visit, Francis flew to Vanimo, a small Catholic community on the northwest coast of Papua New Guinea, where missionaries from his homeland of Argentina serve. He was accompanied by one ton of humanitarian aid, including medicine, clothing, and toys for children. The aid was prepared by an Argentine missionary and transported by an Australian military aircraft. Francis has a strong commitment to supporting communities on the peripheries of the church, prioritizing them over more central locations within the institution.

Vanimo, with a population of 11,000, is situated near the border with Indonesia and is known as a surfing destination. The pope, being the first Latin American pope in history, has always valued the work of Catholic missionaries, viewing them as role models for the church. His visit to Vanimo was a significant part of his trip to Papua New Guinea, which is the second stop on his tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania, following Indonesia. Francis is scheduled to visit East Timor next before concluding his trip in Singapore later in the week.