Papua New Guinea Farewell Ceremony (10 May 1984)

On Thursday, 10 May 1984, the Holy Father took his leave from Papua New Guinea, at the Port Moresby Airport, thanking those who had made his pastoral visit possible.

Dear friends

This brief stay in Papua New Guinea has given me great joy. During these days I have had the wonderful experience of being with the Church of this beloved country, surrounded by the warm affection of its generous and hospitable people. I bid you all farewell with deep emotion and sincere gratitude.

1. I wish to thank in particular all those who have made this pastoral visit possible: first of all, His Excellency the Governor General, the Prime Minister and all the distinguished members of the Government. I also thank all those who have so wonderfully prepared and organised the various stages of my stay here. A special thank you to my venerable Brothers in the Episcopate , and to the clergy, religious and laity, for all they have done in their dioceses to prepare spiritually for this historic occasion.

2. The many personal contacts which this visit has afforded me have been most pleasant and fruitful. They have enabled me to observe the life and vitality of this young and promising nation . And I have seen how the Catholic faith has taken deep root in this land, and how it has begun to bear fruit in generous measure. As I have met the clergy and religious, the catechists and members of Christian families, and especially the young people and the sick, I have been able to sense a great hope for the future of the Church in Papua New Guinea, a hope which the Holy Spirit can make a reality. I also know that through this pastoral visit the bonds of communion which unite the Bishop of Rome with the local Churches in this land have been confirmed and strengthened. For all these blessings, may the name of the Lord be praised for ever! Praised be Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour of the world!

3. As I leave your country, I wish to assure you that I will never forget you. You have a permanent place in my heart, and I will always pray for you. I ask our eternal Father to watch over you and keep you in his love , and I pray that his blessings may extend to those I have not been able to meet, and to all those who live in the coastal regions and in the mountains, in the most remote parts of this nation.

May God bless you with peace and joy!

God bless Papua New Guinea!

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