Port Moresby, Tuesday 21 April 2025 – Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Justin Tkatchenko, MP has expressed great sadness on the news of the sudden passing of late His Holiness Pope Francis. 

It is with great sadness that PNG has received the news of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis after sharing his Easter Message to the global community, calling for peace, security and tolerance. 

“As PNG mourns his passing, we remember the exceptional leadership he demonstrated on issues affecting humanity.” 

Minister Tkatchenko said Papua New Guinea was fortunate to have His Holiness, late Pope Francis visit last year on his Asia Pacific tour of his Apostolic Journey. 

“PNG remembers the joy of the Pope’s visit to PNG in 2024.” 

“His Holiness not only Blessed our country and the faithful but was to be his last official visit to our country and the region.” 

“Thank you, Pope Francis, for enriching the lives of our people and the world.” 

“It was an absolute honour and privilege to have His Holiness come to Port Moresby and pay special visit to Vanimo, West Sepik Province.” 

Minister Tkatchenko said Late Pope Francis touched many lives during his visit to PNG. 

He celebrated the public mass at the Sir John Guise Stadium on Sunday and on Monday he addressed the Catholic youths of PNG before his departure. 

“We greatly appreciated his life and dedication to serve our God and humanity.” 

“May your blessed soul be counted at the highest level amongst the Angels in Heaven.” 

“To eternal God, bless us as we mourn with your comfort of love and our memories of late Pope Francis’s life.” 

His Holiness Pope Francis recently endorsed the canonization of martyred layman Peter ToRot to sainthood, which will remain a historic event for Papua New Guinea and the Pacific. 

Late Pope Francis died on Monday 21st April 2025 at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican Casa Santa Marta.

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