Pope Francis Urges Fair Treatment for Workers in Resource-Rich PNG, Reports Reuters

By Joshua McElwee

PORT MORESBY – On Saturday, Pope Francis called for improved treatment of workers in Papua New Guinea, an archipelago of 600 islands in the Southwestern Pacific, which has attracted international companies due to its rich resources in gas and gold.

During a speech to the nation’s political leaders, the 87-year-old pontiff emphasized the need to address ethnic violence that has claimed numerous lives in recent months, highlighting the country’s diversity of hundreds of tribal groups and over 800 spoken languages.

As part of his ambitious 12-day visit to four nations, the pope stated that the natural resources of Papua New Guinea are "destined by God" for the benefit of the entire community. He stressed that while collaboration with foreign experts and large corporations may be necessary to develop these resources, local needs must be prioritized in terms of revenue distribution and employment, to enhance the living conditions of local populations.

Pope Francis urged that resource development should take place sustainably and equitably, proposing a model grounded in international cooperation and mutual respect that ultimately benefits all parties involved.

Upon his arrival at the APEC Haus, a venue established for the 2018 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, the pope was welcomed by a traditional dance performed by Papua New Guineans adorned in cultural attire, featuring feathered headdresses and beaded skirts. Despite his mobility challenges due to knee and back pain, he maneuvered through the entrance hall, which displayed a distinctive curved timber screen inspired by local tattoo art.

In his welcoming address, PNG Governor-General Bob Dadae expressed gratitude toward the pope for his humanitarian efforts, recognizing the Catholic Church as a critical development partner in the country.

Papua New Guinea is rich in gold reserves and heavily involved in exporting oil and gas. Under the leadership of Prime Minister James Marape since 2019, the government has been working to ensure that local communities receive greater benefits from projects led by multinational corporations.

An economic report from May revealed a modest growth rate of 2.7% for the country last year. The World Bank has raised concerns about a "human capital crisis," noting that nearly half of the children in Papua New Guinea exhibit stunted growth.

PNG, home to countless tribes, has a history marked by ethnic conflict. According to the United Nations, violent incidents in three remote villages last July resulted in at least 26 deaths.

In his address, Pope Francis expressed his hopes for a resolution to tribal violence, calling on everyone to take responsibility in halting the cycle of violence and fostering a collaborative environment.

He also advocated for a "definitive solution" regarding Bougainville Island, which is currently an autonomous region of Papua New Guinea. The island’s residents voted overwhelmingly for independence in 2019, but political stalemates in the national parliament have stalled the ratification of this decision.

Papua New Guinea boasts a vast landscape of mountains, jungles, and rivers, with an estimated population ranging from 9 million to 17 million. The Vatican estimates that there are approximately 2.5 million Catholics in the nation.

Pope Francis, who arrived in Papua New Guinea on Friday after visiting Indonesia, will stay until Monday before traveling to East Timor and Singapore, eventually returning to Rome on September 13. This marks his longest international trip to date.

While addressing critical issues in his speech, the pope also displayed his characteristic humor, reflecting on the linguistic diversity of Papua New Guinea. He remarked that such a rich variety of languages presents a unique challenge to the Holy Spirit, who fosters harmony among differences.