Port Moresby: Following the Pope’s planned visit to Papua New Guinea in September. The Papal Advance team from the Holy See of Rome has made a second and final preparatory travel to PNG’s capital, Port Moresby in early June.
(Mothers Group welcoming the Vatican Advance Team in Vanimo)
The advance team visit was led by Monsignor George Koovakad following the team’s first official visit in February.
The visit has seen further discussions with the country’s governmental officials and ministers following preliminary discussions that were left hanging prior to the previous visit. Putting on the table key points such dates of the visit and other prerequisites that follows as-well.
Gracing the team with their presence was the country’s Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. John Rosso, and PNG Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Justin Tkatchenko.
After a day and a half meeting with the country’s governmental officials, the team also did visits to the APEC Terminal, St. John Guise Stadium, Caritas Technical Secondary School, Don Bosco Technological Institute, Hilton Hotel, APEC Haus, and the Governor General’s residence before making a second trip to Vanimo for another meeting with the provincial authorities and Diocesan personnels regarding Pope’s utmost desire and interest to visit the province.
Accompanying the Papal Advance Team to these various places for inspection, discussions and negotiations were different appointed personnels within the country’s organizing bodies (both the Catholic Church and The Government Team) who are working tirelessly behind scenes to make the visit a success.
It is believed that the Pope’s visit to the Nation will also help greatly in bringing peace, joy, and unity to the people.