Spokesman of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Fr John Ribat welcomed the news and said it was most encouraging that the new Pope clearly defined his mission moments after his declaration, which is to rebuild the church using examples of two iconic saints – Francis of Assisi and Francis Xavier from whom he derived his title (Pope Francis I).
“I see the new Pope as somebody who could lead while the church is in turmoil, therefore, I ask people to pray for him. We are journeying together and sharing the same faith, and I think he believes in the spirit of unity,” Ribat said.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill extended the nation’s warmest congratulations and best wishes and said: “His election as Pope is a momentous occasion for the Catholic church in his home country, Argentina, and for the church throughout the developing world.
“Just as the Catholic church is the largest church in Argentina, it is the largest church in Papua New Guinea”.
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