By Charles Igwe
Pope Francis addressed over 10,000 attendees at a youth festival in Sir John Guise Stadium, Port Moresby, on the final day of his apostolic visit to Papua New Guinea (PNG). He called on the youth to embrace the “common language of the heart” — love — as a way to unite people despite their diversity.
Speaking to the cultural richness of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, where over 800 dialects are spoken, the pope emphasized that “the language of love, closeness, and service” is the key to bridging divides. He referenced the biblical story of Noah’s descendants, noting that people spread across different lands with unique languages, but love can unite them all. When the pope asked what this universal language is, the crowd joyfully responded, “Love!”
During his address, Pope Francis warned of the dangers of indifference, calling it a “fruit of hatred” that is even worse than hatred itself. He urged the young people to care for one another and foster friendships, reminding them that indifference stems from selfishness, which leaves others behind in need.
The youth festival featured a musical dance performance centered on the theme of the pope’s visit, “Teach Us How to Pray” (cf. Luke 11:1). Representatives from groups like the Legion of Mary and the Catholic Professionals Society of PNG expressed concerns about the challenges facing young people, including issues of family, the environment, education, and their fears for the future. Bernadette, a member of the Legion of Mary, spoke candidly about how poverty, crime, and violence impact youth, often leading them down difficult paths like drug dealing and theft.
In response to the heartfelt testimonies, Pope Francis urged the youth not to lose hope, encouraging them to support one another in overcoming struggles and mistakes. “In life, we can all fall,” he said. “But the most important thing is not to stay down.” He challenged the youth to help their peers who have fallen, to lift them up rather than laugh at their misfortune.
Throughout the 90-minute event, Pope Francis illustrated his message by repeatedly mimicking the gesture of helping someone to their feet, calling on everyone to live out this act of compassion in their daily lives.
The pope concluded by blessing the people of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands and praying the Our Father with the crowd in English.
