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Pope Francis has landed in Papua New Guinea as part of his 11-day journey through four nations in Asia and Oceania.
The Catholic faithful have been eagerly preparing for his arrival.
The Pope arrived from Indonesia, where he met with Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar and participated in an interfaith gathering at Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque.
There to greet the Pope upon his arrival in Papua New Guinea was Cardinal John Ribat, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Port Moresby.
He spoke before Pope Francis' arrival highlighting the national unity and the large crowds gathering from various regions that the pontiff's visit has resulted in.
"I'm very happy and so excited that it's coming to us at this time. It's really a time when you will see the whole nation coming together and from your soul to welcome the whole nation, welcome him, and also welcome our visitors here, plus the whole of the church in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands."
The Cardinal reflected on the country's political and natural challenges and viewed the Pope's visit as a moment to unite the nation.
He believes the Pope chose to come to PNG due to the recent turmoil the small island nation has witnessed.
"You see going through all what we have been through violence, also killing, natural disasters, fighting and so on. So, ... And so really, as they all these things were happening, we were looking for a way, how can we address these things? What is it that will bring us moment of being united, coming together, yes, and to be able to see a way, to be able to address all these things, and be able to start to see us being united for a purpose in life. So, what I saw here is that he's coming, the coming of the Holy Father, he knows about all this."
Papua New Guinea is experiencing major unrest due to tribal clashes and civil disturbances.
At least 26 people have died in highland tribal violence, while riots and looting in Port Moresby and Lae have caused 15 more deaths.
The unrest began in February after protests over pay cuts.
Despite states of emergency being declared in key areas, tribal clashes persist.
During his visit, Pope Francis aims to promote tolerance pluralism, dialogue with Muslims, and address poverty and migration.
The 87-year-old pontiff has recently been suffering ill-health and now uses a wheelchair for mobility.
Cardinal Ribat says that just like Jesus did not abandon those in times of trouble, neither does Pope Francis.
"So, in his difficult moment in his life, health condition, and also his age and so on. He's not young then, but knowing all this, he said, I will come. I want to be among you. I want to be in your midst. I want also to be part of what you are experiencing. And you know, for me, excuse me, for me, I'm seeing that this is really something that has brought him to come to us. And also, I'm seeing here that, you know, Jesus was so compassionate, and he was so loving to many those who went through difficult times, sickness and so on. He was there."
Gia Vela is the communion minister at St Joseph's Parish in Port Moresby.
He is looking forward to attending mass in the Pope's presence.
"A celebration for (the) Pope, when he comes here, the biggest miracle on earth, is the Mass and Mass is an hour. So, during that hour we also partake in that Mass where the Holy Father comes, representing Jesus, physically, spiritually, and mentally. So, for us Catholics, we are really proud that we have the Holy Father on this land.”
Veronica Maloni is headteacher at St John's Primary School.
She says she feels blessed that the Pope chose to come to P-N-G.
"I'm very excited seeing... you know, it's been how many years since the last pope came and visited Papua New Guinea? And I'm excited in the sense that there's still so many other countries that he could have chosen to go to. But I'm excited because it's really a blessing that he has chosen to come to Papua New Guinea."
Blaise Bango is a member of the St. Joseph's Parish Choir.
The Pope's visit has a special meaning for him.
"The pope's visit means to me as a Catholic, it's like next level, the next level in the Catholic faith which we should be prepared, and prepared spiritually to receive the Pope because he is someone very special. He represents Christ.”
John Lavu is choir conductor at St Charles Luwanga Parish.
“I think to me personally the pope's visit is very inspiring and it gives me the sense of strength to be stronger in my Catholic faith. I have lived this faith all my life, but, the coming of the Holy Father, the head of the church to Papua New Guinea and to be a witness of his coming to us is going to be very important for me in my life as a Catholic."
After his stay in Papua New Guinea, Pope Francis will visit East Timor and Singapore before concluding his journey on the 13th of September.
But for now, all attention is on Papua New Guinea.
As part of his visit, the Pope will be travelling to a remote area of the country where Christianity has only recently taken root, alongside traditional beliefs that have been practised for millennia.
In an incredible show of dedication, a group of 23 Catholics trekked the Kokoda Track in just four days - half the usual time -to greet Pope Francis.
This visit marks the furthest Pope Francis has ever travelled from the Vatican.
Over the next three days, Pope Francis will share his message of hope with the approximately two-and-a-half million Catholics in Papua New Guinea.
